Germany to plough €50 billion into defence procurement Tanks, jets, drones and much more

Germany’s parliament is set to approve over €50 billion in military purchases, including Puma infantry fighting vehicles, up to 12,000 armed drones, clothing and protective gear for soldiers, and advanced satellite systems aimed at enhancing European reconnaissance.

Members of the Bundestag’s budget committee, which must sign off on all procurement contracts worth more than €25 million, are expected to approve a €21 billion order for uniforms and protective equipment, a €4 billion deal for Puma infantry fighting vehicles, and close to €2 billion for satellite systems to enhance NATO’s eastern flank capabilities, according to documents seen by the Financial Times.

The spending surge follows decades of underfunding and neglect, and was accelerated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted former Chancellor Olaf Scholz to announce a “Zeitenwende” — or turning point — in Germany’s defence policy, along with a €100 billion special fund for military modernisation.

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, more than 100 Leopard 2A8 tanks, 60 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, warships and submarines, and billions of euros’ worth of ammunition.

Germany plans to spend €650 billion on defence between 2025 and 2030 — double the previous five-year budget — though key equipment such as F-35s, Leopard tanks, and new submarines will not be fully operational until 2030 or later.

The Bundeswehr also intends to begin receiving armed drones next year, though this €1 billion program represents only a small fraction of the overall spending. Analysts say the rearmament comes amid growing uncertainty over the future of US troop presence in Europe and Washington’s security commitments to the continent.

By Khagan Isayev