Germany's Bold Military Upgrade: Aims for Europe’s Mightiest Army

Germany is gearing up for a substantial military upgrade, planning to spend billions on new acquisitions. This ambitious procurement includes 20 Eurofighter jets and thousands of armored vehicles. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is leading the charge, aiming to build Europe's most robust conventional army.

This initiative intends to lessen Germany's reliance on the U.S. for defense support, granting the nation greater autonomy in safeguarding European security. Merz has successfully garnered parliamentary support to bypass Germany's constitutional debt restrictions, facilitating this extensive military overhaul.

Projected at €83 billion by 2026, the defense budget will see significant increases to finance these purchases. While Eurofighter jets could total up to €5 billion, Boxer and Patria vehicles will cost an estimated €10 billion and €7 billion, respectively. Additional defense acquisitions include air defense systems and drone platforms, though financial specifics are yet to be finalized.

(With inputs from agencies.)