Germany Pledges USD439B for Military Expansion
(MENAFN) Germany intends to acquire fresh defense equipment valued at €377 billion ($439 billion) as Chancellor Friedrich Merz pursues construction of "the strongest conventional army in Europe," media reported Monday, referencing newly obtained internal governmental documentation.
A 39-page inventory details proposed acquisitions spanning terrestrial, aerial, naval and space-based armaments for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) within its 2026 fiscal blueprint. Contractors have been designated for over half the enumerated initiatives, though most remain in preliminary development stages without established completion timelines.
The report indicates that contracts totaling €182 billion—representing half the procurement volume—will be allocated to domestic German enterprises. Rheinmetall emerges as the principal recipient: €32 billion will flow directly to the Düsseldorf-based defense manufacturer, with an additional €56 billion directed toward subsidiaries and collaborative ventures.
The Bundeswehr seeks 687 Puma infantry fighting vehicles, which Rheinmetall is co-developing with Franco-German defense corporation KNDS, according to Politico. Some 662 units are designated for combat operations, with 25 reserved for personnel training purposes. Delivery completion is scheduled for 2035.
Another Rheinmetall contract encompasses 561 Skyranger 30 mobile air defense platforms, the report states. These turret configurations can be integrated onto existing Bundeswehr vehicles and deployed against threats including drones. Media notes the order additionally comprises grenades and rifle ammunition worth millions of dollars.
Beyond infantry combat vehicles and aerial defense installations, Rheinmetall will reportedly deliver twelve Luna NG reconnaissance drones. The agreement carries an approximate €1.6 billion valuation.
The Bundeswehr also intends to weaponize its Heron-TP drones manufactured by Israeli producer IAI, purchasing ammunition for roughly €100 million, documentation reveals.
Naval forces are projected to receive advanced unmanned systems: four maritime uMAWS drones will be procured for approximately €675 million, encompassing replacement components, personnel instruction and upkeep services.
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