Germany to Buy Light Attack Helos, F127 Frigate, Short-range Air Defense Systems

The German Defense Ministry has announced plans to acquire a light attack helicopter, an F127 frigate, and an air defense system for short- and very short-range threats.

The details were outlined in the 19th Armaments Report, which provides information on 17 major armaments projects and serves as a dialogue with Parliament. This report is published annually.

The report highlights the need for the Bundeswehr to adapt to the evolving security environment following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has instructed the acceleration of procurement processes. The focus is on expediting all stages from planning and contract negotiations to delivery.

The report indicates that defense spending will reach approximately 2.1% of Germany's gross domestic product (GDP). The defense budget (individual plan 14) includes around €52 billion euros, with an increase of about €1.8 billion from the previous year. Additionally, the Bundeswehr special fund, totaling €100 billion, will provide further financial support, with €19.8 billion allocated for 2024.

The 19th Armaments Report outlines 17 major armaments projects crucial for the Bundeswehr, including the Light Attack Helicopter, Heavy Transport Helicopter (Chinook), Eurofighter with AESA Radar, F-35 A Lightning II, Transport Aircraft A400M, PEGASUS Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System, SLWÜA System for Signal-Detecting Airborne Wide-Area Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Euro Drone, Submarine Class 212 Common Design, Corvette Class 130 (second batch), Frigate Class 126, Frigate Class 127, Protected Transport Vehicle Boxer, Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Territorial Missile Defence Weapon System (Arrow), Air Defence System for Short and Very Short Range Protection (LVS NN), Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), and Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

The federal financial plan extends to 2027, by which time the fund will be nearly exhausted. From 2025, the defense budget will need to increase to sustain troop needs and ongoing armament projects.