German Armed Forces - Six billion euros for tanks and Patriot systems
105 Leopard 2A8 combat tanks, four Patriot and Lenkflugkörper systems, as well as artillery ammunition: The Budget Committee of the Bundestag has put in motion a more than six billion Euro package for the new equipment of the Bundeswehr.
With the Leopard 2A8 combat tanks, the future Brigade in Litauen will be equipped, and moreover, significant and long-standing gaps in the Bundeswehr will be closed, stated Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) after the meeting in Berlin. He declared: "We really managed to bring significant arms projects onto the way today, which will then be in the pipeline in the coming years."
The procurement of ammunition will be significantly accelerated and expanded. The parliamentary reporters of the government parties, Andreas Schwarz (SPD), Karsten Klein (FDP), and Sebastian Schäfer (Greens), shared this after the decisions.
Brigade to be ready for deployment by 2027
The national production capacities for the urgently needed munition will be significantly expanded. They stated: "A major order for the Leopard 2A8 combat tank for the Brigade in Litauen and the needs of the Bundeswehr is being brought about. With the procurement of further four Patriot-Systems, we will significantly improve the defense capability of the Federal Republic."
In reaction to the changed security situation in Europe, the German government has pledged to station a battle-ready and self-sufficient combat unit permanently in Lithuania. The Brigade is to be ready for deployment by 2027. Planned is a permanent presence of approximately 4,800 soldiers and around 200 civilian Bundeswehr personnel.
The Committee obliged the Defense Ministry to provide further details on procurement and financing and to report again.
The new equipment package for the Bundeswehr, valued at over six billion Euros, includes 105 Leopard 2A8 combat tanks, several Patriot and Lenkflugkörper systems, and an abundance of artillery ammunition. This allocation will significantly contribute to equipping the future Brigade in Lithuania and addressing long-standing gaps within the German Armed Forces.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, representing the SPD, commended the progress made during the Berlin meeting, stating that substantial arms projects have now been set in motion for implementation over the coming years.
To expedite and enhance the procurement of ammunition, the parliamentary reporters from the government parties – Andreas Schwarz (SPD), Karsten Klein (FDP), and Sebastian Schäfer (Greens) – have shared their approval.
According to their declaration, the Bundeswehr's urgent need for munition will be met by enhancing national production capacities, with a substantial order for Leopard 2A8 combat tanks planned for the Brigade in Lithuania. Furthermore, the acquisition of additional four Patriot-systems is set to substantially boost the defense capability of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In response to the evolving security situation in Europe, the German government has committted to establishing a battle-ready and self-sufficient combat unit permanently stationed in Lithuania. This Brigade is scheduled for deployment by 2027 and will be comprised of approximately 4,800 soldiers and around 200 civilian Bundeswehr personnel.
In relation to procuring and financing these initiatives, the Budget Committee mandated the Defense Ministry to present further information and reports in the near future.
The expanded and upgraded ammunition stockpiles for the German Armed Forces, as well as the acquisition of new weapons systems like the Leopard 2A8 combat tanks and additional Patriot air defense missile systems, are part of a broader strategic plan to strengthen the Bundeswehr and ensure its readiness to defend German interests and values in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
