Germany Approves Nearly $40 Billion in Military Spending for 2025
Germany’s parliamentary budget committee recently approved a considerable wave of defense procurement projects, bringing the nation’s planned military-equipment spending for 2025 close to $40 billion. The December 3rd approval encompasses 73 major projects, totaling approximately €36.6 billion (roughly $39.7 billion USD).
The spending surge reflects Germany’s ambition to establish the Bundeswehr as Europe’s leading conventional military force, including a planned expansion to approximately 460,000 personnel – comprised of up to 260,000 active troops, a significant increase from the current roughly 180,000. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has pledged to raise defense spending to 3.5% of Germany’s GDP by 2029, cementing its position as the continent’s top military spender.
key approvals include a significant expansion of the order for the Bundeswehr’s G95 assault rifle, manufactured by Heckler & Koch as the HK416A8 model.While the Defense Ministry has not disclosed the exact number, reports suggest the new order could bring the total procurement to as many as 250,000 rifles, building on an initial approval of approximately 120,000 units in late 2022. The committee also approved the purchase of laser light modules to enhance the G95’s functionality wiht night vision goggles.
Further investments focus on advanced technologies and capabilities. procurement continues for Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile, intended for use with Germany’s incoming F-35A fighter jets. These long-range cruise missiles are designed for internal carriage within the F-35, preserving the aircraft’s stealth characteristics.
A novel addition is URANOS AI,an artificial intelligence-powered surveillance platform. This system will process reconnaissance data from drones, satellites, and radar stations, initially being deployed with Panzerbrigade 45 in Lithuania, with plans for eventual integration across all German army brigades. The development of this AI system is influenced by the observed effectiveness of similar capabilities during the Ukraine war.
Other approved projects include a framework contract for a “high three-digit number” of aladin reconnaissance drones for close-range surveillance, the acquisition of over 1,700 military all-terrain vehicles, and heavy transport trailers capable of moving Leopard 2 main battle tanks.
German law mandates parliamentary budget committee approval for procurement projects exceeding €25 million ($29 million).