Germany this year has roughly €108 billion available for the Bundeswehr, an unprecedented package paid for from the federal budget and special loan-backed funds. The money is intended to undo decades of cuts and rapidly modernize the armed forces amid warnings from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius that Russia could be capable of attacking NATO territory as early as 2029.
Combat drones for the first time
For the first time, the Bundeswehr is ordering several thousand combat drones — officially described as “loitering munitions” and often called kamikaze or suicide drones. The procurement follows Russia’s use of drones in Ukraine and a domestic reassessment of their battlefield role. Contracts have been drawn up with Berlin startup Stark Defence and Munich-based Helsing, each potentially receiving up to €300 million. Prototypes from established supplier Rheinmetall reportedly failed Bundeswehr tests. Some of the new drones are earmarked for the brigade deployed to Lithuania on NATO’s eastern flank.
Expanded drone defenses
At the same time, investments are being made to protect forces from drones: measures will span electronic jamming systems to the Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft vehicle by Rheinmetall, intended to help counter drone swarms. The Skyranger is set to be central to the rebuilt army air-defense capability but cannot be delivered before 2028. The navy is also pursuing directed-energy options, with Rheinmetall and MBDA testing laser weapons that are now on the procurement list.
Jets, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft
Major acquisitions include 35 Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighters for just under €10 billion, a package that covers aircraft, weapons and spares. The F-35s will take on the nuclear strike-sharing duties currently held by retiring Tornado jets and form part of NATO’s nuclear deterrent. Germany is also buying 60 Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy transport helicopters for about €7.3 billion — chosen because there is no comparable European alternative. The navy has begun receiving Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to strengthen wide-area surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, which could be used on NATO missions, including patrols around Greenland.
AI and sensor integration
The Bundeswehr is embedding artificial intelligence into operations through programs such as “Uranos KI,” designed to help the brigade in Lithuania by sifting large volumes of sensor data to improve detection of threats like drones. Operational details are being withheld for security reasons.
Frigate program setback
The F126 frigate program highlights procurement risks. The original main contractor, Dutch shipyard Damen, failed to complete the project; around €1.8 billion has been spent without any ships delivered. Naval Vessels Lürssen is set to take over and try to salvage the build, while Germany will buy additional MEKO A-200 frigates from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems as a stopgap. Parliament approved an extra €7.8 billion last year to address these and related needs.
Uniforms and personnel expansion
Parliament also authorized funds for new uniforms and personal equipment sized for up to 460,000 soldiers — a figure that includes reservists and supports plans to grow beyond the current 184,000 active-duty personnel. Critics have questioned the scale of the procurement, but the ministry argues that stockpiling now will prevent shortages as recruitment accelerates.
Originally written in German. DW also publishes a weekly Berlin Briefing newsletter rounding up German politics and society.