German Parliament Clears Billions For Missiles, Artillery, Satellites

Germany’s Bundestag budget committee has approved funding for 30 additional armaments programs worth several billion euros, expanding the military’s missile inventories, artillery forces, and ISR capabilities.

Central to the package is the procurement of additional IRIS-T SLM guided missiles for medium-range air defense. The arrangement also allows partner nations in the European Sky Shield Initiative to place orders. Berlin said use of these missiles in Ukraine has increased demand.

The committee also authorized acquisition of the RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzer, based on the Boxer armored vehicle chassis. Prototype systems will be delivered for qualification before series production begins. The system is intended to complement the Panzerhaubitze 2000, support mobile mechanized operations, provide direct fire to dismounted troops, and engage targets at extended range.

For long-range strike, lawmakers approved preparations for series production of the TAURUS NEO air-launched cruise missile for Eurofighter aircraft. The missile is designed to hit fortified and high-value ground targets at long distances and is planned as a future multinational procurement effort coordinated through OCCAR.

In space-based reconnaissance, funding was cleared for the SPOCK radar satellite system, intended to enable early detection and monitoring of adversary force movements. The Bundeswehr has labeled the project urgent, particularly for NATO’s eastern flank and the planned deployment of a German brigade to Lithuania, with operational capability targeted as soon as possible.

Beyond these flagship programs, the committee approved further spending on Meteor air-to-air missiles, DM2A5 heavyweight torpedoes for U212 submarines, Arrow and Patriot PAC-3 MSE air defense interceptors and launcher upgrades, Puma infantry fighting vehicle upgrades and ammunition, Eurofighter radar and self-protection systems, PEGASUS airborne signals intelligence aircraft, armored vehicles under the Common Armoured Vehicle System program, reconnaissance drones, FALKE-type drones, MQ-9B maritime drones for the German Navy, and electronic warfare upgrades for Type 123 frigates.