Germany spent over €31 billion on military modernisation in 2024, army offical says

In 2024, the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) allocated over €31 billion towards rearmament efforts, marking a significant increase compared to €17 billion spent in 2021, as disclosed by Annette Lehnigk-Emden, Head of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).

In an interview with Germany’s Funke media group, Annette Lehnigk-Emden said approximately 12,000 procurement contracts were concluded over the course of 2024.

She emphasised that the upward trajectory in defence spending is set to continue, with strategic focus areas including air defence systems and the acquisition of ammunition, both of which are considered critical for enhancing operational readiness and deterrence capabilities.

Despite the increase in procurement volume, systemic deficiencies in the Bundeswehr’s material and logistical infrastructure persist. Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, Inspector of the German Army, has previously noted that the overall state of equipment has not significantly improved since 2022, the year in which Germany established a €100 billion special fund for Bundeswehr modernisation.

He further highlighted the vulnerability of the armed forces to unmanned aerial systems, underlining the Bundeswehr’s continued exposure to evolving battlefield threats.

By Khagan Isayev