Germany is spending record amounts on armament. The Bundeswehr is ordering new weapons and equipment in large quantities – some of which are arriving in military warehouses for the first time.
This year, the German army (Bundeswehr) has more than 108 billion euros at its disposal. This is a huge, unprecedented amount, funded both through the regular federal budget and through special funds raised by borrowing.
With this money, the Bundeswehr, which has seen decades of budget cuts, is expected to regain its combat readiness. And as quickly as possible – because the federal German government fears that by 2029, Russia might be capable of launching an attack on NATO member countries.
So what is the Bundeswehr buying with all these billions? And how effective is such rapid armament?
For the first time, combat drones for the Bundeswehr
There hasn’t been a political majority for the acquisition of combat drones until now. However, the war in Ukraine, where drones have played a decisive role, has led to a shift in Germany’s thinking. For the first time in its history, the Bundeswehr is ordering thousands of combat drones this year.
The young tech firms Stark Defense from Berlin and Helsing from Munich were given priority for the orders, with each expected to receive orders worth up to 300 million euros. The prototypes from competitors like Rheinmetall were not convincing to the Bundeswehr decision-makers.
These include kamikaze drones, professionally known as “loitering munitions.” These drones are equipped with warheads and dive at their targets, destroying both themselves and their target. These drones are expected to equip the Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania, established for better protection of NATO’s eastern flank.
Anti-drone defense and laser weapons
The Bundeswehr also has shortcomings when it comes to defending against drones. This should be addressed by combining various defense systems. The range includes electronic jamming devices and even the SkyRanger 30 anti-aircraft armored vehicle, which can suppress drone swarms.
The SkyRanger, produced by Rheinmetall, is particularly important as there has been an increase in suspicious drone flights over Germany, including above Bundeswehr facilities. However, this system won’t be delivered until 2028. The SkyRanger will become the main weapon system for the newly formed air defense unit of the army, which had been disbanded in 2012, as it was deemed unnecessary at the time.
Additionally, a new laser weapon is being developed for defense against drones, mainly for the Navy. Ships have limited ammunition storage capacities, and laser weapons only require electricity. A laser system to defend against drones, developed by Rheinmetall and MBDA, has already completed testing in the Navy and is now on the Bundeswehr’s procurement list.
Orders from U.S. manufacturers
Although the Bundeswehr primarily purchases its new equipment from German and European manufacturers, some major contracts have been signed with U.S. corporations, such as for the F-35A stealth fighter, which is considered the world’s most advanced combat aircraft. Germany’s government has ordered 35 units from the U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin, at a cost of nearly ten billion euros for the complete package, including weapons and spare parts.
One reason for this choice is that the F-35, in an emergency, can be equipped with U.S. nuclear bombs. This task has previously been handled by Germany’s Tornado aircraft, but these will soon be retired due to their age. The German fleet of F-35 aircraft will therefore become part of NATO’s nuclear umbrella over Europe.
Additionally, the Bundeswehr is buying 60 heavy transport helicopters CH-47 Chinook from U.S. manufacturer Boeing. According to experts, there is no competing product with such capabilities in Europe. The price: 7.3 billion euros.
From Boeing, the Bundeswehr is also purchasing the maritime reconnaissance aircraft P-8A Poseidon, which, thanks to its advanced sensor technology, can monitor large maritime areas and detect submarines. The first unit was delivered to the German Navy last fall. According to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), this aircraft could contribute to better monitoring of waters around Greenland as part of NATO’s mission.
A novelty for the Bundeswehr: Artificial Intelligence “Uranos”
Modern weapon systems can no longer be imagined without artificial intelligence. The growing importance of AI is evident in the Uranos KI project, which will equip the Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania.
On NATO’s eastern flank, precise monitoring of large areas is required – and that’s where AI comes in. It is expected to help analyze large amounts of data collected from various sensors. This could, for example, assist in detecting enemy drones. Details of the project are kept confidential by the German Ministry of Defense – and with good reason.
Frigate F126 – from prestigious project to problems
The case of the F126 frigate shows that expensive, large projects don’t always go smoothly. After the design of the largest combat ship for the Navy was enthusiastically welcomed, disappointment quickly set in during construction. The main contractor, the Dutch shipyard Damen Naval, failed to carry out the plans. According to media reports, around 1.8 billion euros have already been invested in the F126 project. Opposition politicians fear it could become a “graveyard for billions.”
Now, the German company Naval Vessels Lürssen is set to take over the project and salvage what can be salvaged. But since the Navy urgently needs new frigates due to its obligations in NATO, a temporary solution is planned. The Bundeswehr wants to purchase additional MEKO A 200 frigates from TKMS, Germany’s largest warship manufacturer. As this model has already been built for export, the plans are ready. However, this “temporary solution” will, of course, incur additional costs – the Bundestag already approved an additional 7.8 billion euros for this last year.
New uniforms for future soldiers
For new uniforms and personal equipment, the Bundestag approved a large sum at the end of last year – for a total of 460,000 soldiers. Critics have publicly questioned whether this is too much, given that the Bundeswehr currently only has about 184,000 members. However, the number of soldiers is expected to increase significantly, including reserves, to 460,000 men and women.
This may take years, but by then, there will certainly be enough uniforms. “We can’t dress new soldiers in tracksuits,” explained Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
