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Germany Announces a Record Year for Defense Acquisitions Boosted by F126 Frigates and Leopard 2A8 Tanks.
Germany has reached a milestone in its defense acquisitions, setting a new record with 59 funding proposals exceeding 25 million euros each, approved by the Bundestag this year. This unprecedented figure reflects the Ministry of Defense's commitment to enhancing the Bundeswehr’s capabilities in response to current security and defense challenges. The approved projects highlight Germany's intensified efforts to modernize its military equipment and reinforce its commitments within NATO, particularly on the alliance’s eastern flank.
The F126 frigates initially referred to as the "Mehrzweckkampfschiff 180" (Multi-Role Combat Ship 180), are multi-role vessels designed for the German Navy with a focus on anti-submarine warfare (Picture source: Damen)
Among the key projects, Germany plans to enhance both its naval and ground forces with substantial additions. The Bundeswehr is set to receive six new F126 frigates by 2034. The initial contract, signed in June 2020, covered the construction of the first four units, with an option exercised in June 2024 to procure two additional units, bringing the total to six. The two additional frigates are estimated to cost 3.1 billion euros, including 2.8 billion for construction and 300 million for associated services and equipment. These versatile warships will play a crucial role in maritime protection and coastal security, while also providing essential power projection capabilities for NATO’s collective defense.
The F126 frigates, initially referred to as the "Mehrzweckkampfschiff 180" (Multi-Role Combat Ship 180), are multi-role vessels designed for the German Navy with a focus on anti-submarine warfare. With a displacement of 10,550 tons, a length of 166 meters, and a beam of 21.7 meters, they are built for extensive high-seas operations. These frigates can host up to 198 crew members, offering operational flexibility for diverse military missions. Equipped with hybrid propulsion combining diesel and electric engines, they enable discreet and efficient maneuvering tailored to tactical needs.
In terms of armament, the F126 frigates are outfitted with anti-air and anti-ship missile systems, as well as close-in defense systems, making them well-suited for protection against various threats, including ballistic missiles and submarines. Advanced detection systems enable surveillance and target identification in complex marine environments. The ships are built by Damen as the main contractor, with German yards Blohm & Voss, GNYK, and NVL participating as subcontractors, ensuring high-quality integration of advanced technologies to bolster German maritime defense.
On land, the Ministry of Defense has also approved the acquisition of 105 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, specifically to reinforce the German brigade deployed in Lithuania. This decision is aimed at strengthening Germany's military presence on NATO's eastern flank, a critical measure to deter potential threats in this geopolitically sensitive area. The Leopard 2A8, the latest iteration of Germany’s renowned battle tank, brings significant improvements in protection, mobility, and firepower, making it a valuable asset for the Bundeswehr and its allies.
The Leopard 2A8 is the newest, upgraded model in the Leopard 2 tank series, produced by German companies KMW and Rheinmetall. Designed for modern battlefield requirements, it features advanced multi-layered armor combining steel, tungsten, ceramics, and composite materials, providing enhanced protection against ballistic and explosive threats. The Leopard 2A8 is also equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System, known as EuroTrophy, which detects and neutralizes incoming threats, further ensuring crew safety. Armed with a 120 mm L55 smoothbore cannon capable of firing various types of munitions, including programmable DM11 rounds, and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, the tank’s advanced fire control system and third-generation thermal optics enable accurate targeting even on the move or in low-visibility conditions.
Powered by a 1,600-horsepower engine, the Leopard 2A8 reaches a top road speed of 70 km/h and has a range of around 450 km. Its robust torsion bar suspension and high obstacle-crossing capabilities allow it to maneuver on rough terrain, ascend slopes of 60%, cross trenches up to 3 meters wide, and ford water up to 4 meters deep with preparation. For crew comfort, the tank includes an NBC protection system, air conditioning, and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to power onboard systems without running the main engine. With its advanced protection, exceptional mobility, and cutting-edge equipment, the Leopard 2A8 is positioned as a strategic asset for modern armed forces.
Other projects include the acquisition of Patriot air defense systems. In July 2024, the budget committee approved the procurement of four Patriot systems as part of a broader investment exceeding 6 billion euros across various defense acquisitions. Additionally, in June 2024, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius proposed an agreement to purchase up to 2.35 million artillery shells, with a budget of up to 15 billion euros, aimed at replenishing the Bundeswehr's stockpiles.
The “25 million-euro proposal” procedure, required for each project exceeding this financial threshold, includes comprehensive details for each planned acquisition. Each proposal is then reviewed and approved by the Bundestag’s budget committee, ensuring transparency and accountability in public fund usage. This rigorous process guarantees that each investment meets the highest standards of relevance and effectiveness for German defense needs.
The Bundestag’s approval of these 59 proposals in 2024 represents not only a historic record but also a strong commitment by Germany to invest in a modern and capable military. This acquisition momentum reflects an increased awareness of current security challenges and Germany’s international responsibilities within NATO.
In recent years, Germany has significantly increased its military spending, particularly in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This situation led Chancellor Olaf Scholz to announce a special fund of 100 billion euros to modernize the Bundeswehr and commit to dedicating more than 2% of GDP to defense spending.
In 2024, the defense budget reached 90.6 billion euros, marking a 55.4% increase compared to 2023. These increases are aimed at strengthening Germany’s military capabilities to address growing security threats in Eastern Europe and meet NATO’s defense spending expectations.