Germany Clears New Assault Rifles, F-35 Missiles, Drones, Heavy Transport Procurement

Germany’s parliamentary budget committee has approved multiple defense procurements covering new infantry weapons, cruise missiles for the F-35 fighter jet, drones, AI-based surveillance systems, armored vehicles, heavy transport trailers, and upgraded radar infrastructure for the Armed Forces.

The decision accelerates the full rollout of the G95 assault rifle, which is based on the Heckler & Koch HK416A8 and will replace the G36 as Germany’s standard service rifle. Lawmakers cleared the purchase of additional G95 rifles beyond the nearly 120,000 units approved in late 2022 to equip the entire force. The rifles will be issued with laser light modules for use with night-vision devices and main combat optics.

The committee also approved additional headsets with integrated hearing protection. The systems allow soldiers to communicate under combat conditions while reducing the risk of permanent hearing damage. Deliveries will begin in 2026 under an existing framework contract.

For ground mobility, the Bundeswehr will procure additional off-road military vehicles in command and military police variants, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2027. The vehicles will be used to transport personnel and digital battlefield systems. Lawmakers simultaneously authorized the first orders of new 70-ton semi-trailers for heavy transport. The trailers will enable the movement of Leopard 2 main battle tanks and other tracked and wheeled vehicles under difficult terrain conditions, with deliveries starting in 2026.

In the air domain, funding was approved for additional cruise missiles for Germany’s future F-35A fighter fleet. The F-35 will replace the Tornado in NATO’s nuclear-sharing mission. The first German aircraft are scheduled to arrive in the United States in 2026 for pilot training, with operational deployment to Büchel Air Base planned for 2027.

The committee also authorized further procurement of Joint Strike Missiles in cooperation with Norway. The air-launched missiles are designed to strike both land and sea targets and are intended to strengthen Germany’s compliance with NATO ammunition stockpile targets.

On the reconnaissance front, lawmakers approved funding for the Uranos artificial-intelligence battlefield surveillance system. The program will create an AI-supported network of air and ground sensors to support tactical-level reconnaissance. The first deployment will be with Panzer Brigade 45 in Lithuania on NATO’s eastern flank. Eight complete systems from two manufacturers will be procured initially, with initial operational capability expected between 2026 and 2028.

Germany’s armed Heron TP drones will also see expanded operations. The budget committee approved an increase in the monthly flight-hour ceiling under the existing lease agreement. The five leased drones currently operate from Jagel Air Base and are intended as an interim capability until the Eurodrone enters service.

Close-range battlefield reconnaissance will be expanded through a new framework contract for the production and delivery of a high three-figure number of ALADIN drones. The lightweight systems provide real-time visual intelligence for frontline units and are designed for rapid deployment in both day and night operations.

In naval aviation, Germany approved funding for the redesign of the aging maritime surveillance radar processor on the naval variant of the NH90 helicopter. The redevelopment is being jointly financed with Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands.

The committee also cleared funding for new test equipment for the Eurofighter radar. The existing systems are reaching the end of their service life. The radar remains the fighter’s primary sensor for target detection, tracking, missile guidance, and cannon engagement. All four Eurofighter partner nations are participating in the replacement program.