Germany Approves Procurement of Patriot Missiles, Israeli Heron TP Drones

The German Bundestag Budget Committee recently sanctioned seven key procurement projects for the Bundeswehr, including missile defense, surveillance drones, armored personnel carriers, simulators, and mobile frontline hospitals.

One of the approved projects covers additional Patriot GEM-T guided missiles and launcher conversion kits to support the firing of PAC-3 MSE interceptors. The purchase, valued at about €114 million, will be managed by the U.S. government through the Foreign Military Sales program. Germany already operates Patriot systems, some of which have been supplied to Ukraine, with replacements budgeted separately under the federal government’s “Departmental Plan 60.”

The committee also authorized the acquisition of Heron TP Medium Altitude Long Endurance drones, to be delivered by 2028 under an expanded agreement with Israel, the system’s manufacturer. The package includes spare parts and operator training.

Other funded projects include standardized IT container housings with ballistic protection for command posts, modernization of Leopard 2 A7 tank simulators, and mobile medical units worth nearly €400 million. The vehicle-based facilities will allow surgical and intensive care near combat zones, with deployment planned for Germany’s brigade in Lithuania.

The Bundeswehr is currently training armored personnel on Leopard 2 A5/A6 main battle tank simulators. With the now approved contract, these systems can be adapted to the modern A7 variant of the tank, enabling realistic training. The Leopard 2 A7 has been used by the Bundeswehr as a heavy main battle tank since 2021. Compared to its predecessor, the propulsion system, cannon, and optics have been significantly improved.

The CAVS 6x6 armored transport vehicle will replace the Bundeswehr’s Fuchs personnel carriers as part of a “New Generation” of transport systems. The first production vehicle is set for delivery to engineer units, financed through the special fund. The variant includes German-specific adaptations such as digital communications, an NBC protective ventilation system, and night combat capability, with series delivery contracts expected soon.

The multinational CAVS program involves Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Germany, aiming to develop a modular 6x6 wheeled military platform adaptable to national requirements. Earlier in 2025, the Bundestag had already approved funding for a mortar system variant based on the CAVS design, with additional versions available for partner nations.