The Budget Committee gives the green light for new weapons systems and ammunition. The package is also intended to improve defense capabilities. What’s on the shopping list?
105 battle tanks, four Patriot air defence systems and guided missiles as well as ammunition for the artillery: The Bundestag’s Budget Committee has launched a package worth more than six billion euros for the Bundeswehr’s new equipment.
The future Lithuania Brigade will be equipped with the Leopard 2A8 battle tanks and will also close significant gaps in the Bundeswehr that have existed for years, said Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) after the meeting in Berlin. He explained: “Today we have really managed to get important armament projects underway that will be implemented in the coming years.”
“The procurement of ammunition will be significantly accelerated and expanded. This will give industry in Germany a substantial basis for its planning for this decade, the Bundeswehr full warehouses and Ukraine urgently needed supplies,” said the government party rapporteurs Andreas Schwarz (SPD), Karsten Klein (FDP) and Sebastian Schäfer (Greens) after the decisions.
Brigade to be ready for deployment by 2027
The national production capacity for the urgently needed ammunition would be significantly expanded. They explained: “A major order for the Leopard 2A8 battle tank is being placed for the Lithuania Brigade and the needs of the German Armed Forces. By purchasing four more Patriot systems, we are significantly improving the defense capability of the Federal Republic.”
In response to the changed security situation in Europe, the German government has pledged to station a combat-ready and independently capable combat unit in Lithuania. The brigade is to be operational by 2027. A permanent presence of around 4,800 soldiers and around 200 civilian Bundeswehr members is planned.
The committee required the Ministry of Defence to provide further details on procurement and financing and to report further.
Source: Stern
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