Germany greenlights €50 billion defence boost amid Russia threat

German lawmakers have approved roughly €50 billion in military acquisitions on December 17, the government announced, as Berlin steps up defence spending to counter the threat from Russia.

The broad procurement plan includes everything from missiles for air defence systems to armoured medical vehicles, satellite technologies, and new uniforms, Caliber.Az reports via Euractiv.

“We are sending a signal to the (NATO) alliance and our partners: Germany is leading the way,” the defence ministry said.

The ministry added that Germany is fulfilling its obligations to the alliance and accepting its responsibility for security and peace in Europe.

Germany’s recent surge in defence spending comes after decades of underfunding and neglect, and was fast-tracked by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

Since 2022, Berlin has ordered 35 US-made F-35 fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, 20 additional Eurofighter Typhoons, US-made Patriot and German IRIS-T air defence systems, over 100 Leopard 2A8 tanks, 60 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, warships and submarines, and billions of euros’ worth of ammunition.  

Germany aims to spend €650 billion on defence between 2025 and 2030, double the previous five-year budget, although key assets such as F-35s, Leopard tanks, and new submarines are not expected to be fully operational until 2030 or later.  

The Bundeswehr also plans to start receiving armed drones next year, but this €1 billion program accounts for only a small portion of the total spending. Analysts note that the rearmament is taking place amid increasing uncertainty over the future of US troop presence in Europe and Washington’s security commitments to the continent.

By Jeyhun Aghazada