Germany has approved nearly €50 billion ($59 billion) in major defense procurement projects, marking a new milestone in the country’s rapid military rearmament following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The approvals, cleared on Wednesday by the parliamentary budget committee, cover 30 major procurement projects and bring Germany’s total for 2025 to a record 103 large-scale defense projects worth €83 billion ($97.5 billion).
The latest decisions cap three years of unprecedented defense spending, which now exceeds the combined total of Germany’s military procurement over the previous eight years.
“We are serious when we say that we are equipping our Bundeswehr to be powerful and resilient, and doing so as quickly as possible,” German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said after the committee meeting. “These decisions show that we are pulling together.”
Radar Satellites and Armored Vehicles
Among the most significant projects approved is the SPOCK tactical radar satellite system, designed to strengthen the Bundeswehr’s intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities. The system will provide all-weather, day-and-night radar imagery, enhanced by artificial intelligence to detect hostile military activity.
Developed through a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Finnish satellite firm Iceye, the system is intended to support Germany’s 45th Armored Brigade, which is being deployed in Lithuania as part of NATO’s reinforced eastern flank.
The German armed forces described SPOCK as a “key project” for improving military reconnaissance. The contract is valued at approximately €1.76 billion, with options that could raise the total above €2.7 billion by 2030, according to German media.
Puma Vehicles, Air Defense and Logistics
Lawmakers also approved expanded procurement of the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, Germany’s primary armored vehicle for mechanized infantry. The package includes increased vehicle numbers, multi-purpose ammunition capable of engaging air and ground targets, provisions for future upgrades, and new combat training simulators.
Additional approvals include modernization and expansion of the Patriot air defense system, increased missile stocks, and conversion kits for existing launchers. The committee also greenlit purchases of transport trucks, trailers, protected medical vehicles, and a range of reconnaissance, combat and support vehicles, including artillery and mortar systems.
Missiles, Torpedoes and Strategic Interceptors
Munitions accounted for a significant share of the approvals. Germany authorized additional IRIS-T SLM surface-to-air missiles, preparations for serial production of the TAURUS NEO long-range standoff missile for Eurofighter jets, Meteor air-to-air missiles, and torpedoes for the new U 212 CD submarine class.
Berlin also approved the purchase of additional launchers and interceptors for its Israeli-made Arrow system, designed to counter ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere.
Rearmament Despite Budget Constraints
The approvals come despite Germany operating under provisional budget rules, highlighting the streamlined procurement procedures introduced in recent years, Pistorius said.
Between 2023 and 2025, Germany approved 255 major defense projects worth €188.4 billion, compared with 215 projects totaling €109 billion between 2015 and 2022. Officials say the surge reflects Berlin’s accelerated push to rebuild military capabilities after decades of underinvestment.
Germany’s rearmament drive has become a cornerstone of NATO’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Berlin positioning itself as a central pillar of European defense.
Discover more from Defence Talks | Defense News Hub, Military Updates, Security Insights
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
