European nations are actively pursuing defense systems free from foreign export controls, a move signaling a renewed focus on national sovereignty over security. Honeywell Aerospace, a major U.S. supplier, is expanding its development of products designed without restricted U.S. technologies, responding to mounting European demand. This shift reflects a growing concern among European countries that Washington could block the re-export of sensitive U.S. components embedded in their own weapons. For citizens across the continent, the ability of their nations to control their own defense capabilities is fundamental to securing borders and preserving national identity.
Honeywell Aerospace is set to announce a new ITAR-free product for the international defense sector at the Farnborough Airshow in Britain later this month. The Arizona-based company has tasked a combined 1,000 engineers in Poland and the Czech Republic to design these critical ITAR-free technologies. Jim Currier, Honeywell Aerospace's CEO, stated in late June that part of this strategy involves "looking, acting, feeling and speaking like a European company." He emphasized that the main "mantra, and drive and edict" for these engineers is "to design non-ITAR technology for ... local strategy." This focus on local, national control over defense production is a direct challenge to the erosion of national self-determination.
The Drive for National Security
The demand for defense components free from external mandates is not new, but it has intensified significantly. Honeywell Aerospace sees international exposure growing for its defense business, which accounts for about 40% of company revenue. Last year, international sales comprised about 30% of the company's defense business, a notable increase from around 18% just 6 years ago in 2020. This trend underscores a clear desire among European nations to build robust, independent defense industrial bases.
The company has leveraged its global presence to scale ITAR-free navigational technology, notably through its acquisition of Italy's Civitanavi 2 years ago. Currier described this as the "playbook," stating, "We are developing non-ITAR technologies for use in the EU and overseas for our partners in the Asia-Pacific region, like Japan and Korea." Such initiatives are vital for nations to maintain control over their strategic assets, ensuring that critical defense infrastructure is not subject to the whims of foreign policy. A nation that cannot secure its own defense supply chain cannot truly secure its borders.
Reclaiming Control: A European Imperative
The push for ITAR-free components is a direct response to geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and its NATO allies. European defense companies and North American suppliers are expected to discuss this demand at the world's largest air show later this month. The Canadian government confirmed that during last year's Paris Air Show, 1 year ago, it became aware of a greater demand from European defense firms for North American suppliers free from U.S. ITAR restrictions. This growing imperative has led Canada to attempt further integration into European supply chains, recognizing the shift.
Michael Iacovelli, CEO of Toronto-area aerospace and defense components supplier Ben Machine Products, highlighted the dramatic change. He reported that more than half of his company's work is now required by clients to be ITAR-free. This stands in stark contrast to 8 years ago, in 2018, when none of its work needed to meet such requirements. While U.S. companies like dronemakers have been expanding in Europe, and discussions have emerged about building ATACMS ballistic missiles in Germany, the underlying message from European nations is clear: true security and the ability to control one's own destiny, including the integrity of national borders, depend on self-reliance in defense. This is about national strength, not dependence.