Germany is preparing to increase its military capacity with new orders for up to 8,500 armored vehicles and 20 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.
The plans were shared with lawmakers by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during a closed-door briefing on upcoming defense projects.
According to people familiar with the discussions, the government is finalizing more than 60 procurement proposals, which will be presented to parliament for approval by the end of the year.
These include the purchase of as many as 5,000 Boxer armored vehicles, at least 3,500 Patria armored personnel carriers, and 20 Eurofighter jets.
The defense ministry said the country is aligning its military readiness with NATO capability goals for 2025.
In June, US President Donald Trump cast doubts about America’s commitment to NATO’s mutual defense pact, suggesting there are numerous interpretations of the alliance’s core Article 5.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump avoided a direct affirmation of the US pledge to defend its allies.
“I’m committed to saving lives. I’m committed to life and safety. And I’m going to give you an exact definition when I get there,” Trump said.
Despite Trump’s remarks, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reassured members, stating that “The US is totally committed to NATO, totally committed to Article 5.”
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Why is Germany Ordering Armored Vehicles?
According to German officials, the Russian threat and Germany’s expanded defense responsibilities within the alliance are key reasons for the increased material demand.
To support that, the federal cabinet is expected to approve a medium-term financial plan on Wednesday, July 30.
The plan will raise the annual defense budget to Ksh24 trillion (€162 billion) by 2029.
Consequently, the funds will allow Germany to meet the NATO target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defense well before the 2035 deadline.
Funding for the increase will be drawn from a €500 billion debt-financed fund created by the government to support infrastructure and defense investment.
This fund is exempt from constitutional borrowing limits, enabling larger allocations to the military.
Also Read: NATO Proposes Increased Defence Spending Amid Tensions
Germany to Work with European suppliers.
Moreover, the procurement strategy indicates working with European suppliers.
The Boxer vehicles will be manufactured by Germany’s KNDS and Rheinmetall. The Patria armored vehicles, intended to replace the army’s aging fleet of Fuchs transporters, will be built by Finnish firm Patria in partnership with German companies.
Around 90% of the Patria production is expected to take place in Germany.
The Boxer vehicles will be delivered in different variants to meet multiple operational needs, including 600 configured as Skyranger air-defense systems.
Additionally, other versions will serve in combat, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance roles.
The new Eurofighter Typhoon order, valued at up to €3 billion, builds on a previous purchase of 38 jets in 2020.
The current plan was initially announced by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz last year at the ILA air show in Berlin but had stalled due to political disagreements within the previous ruling coalition.
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