Germany set to boost defense with 20 combat helicopters and missile systems
Photo: Airbus will supply 20 combat helicopters to Germany under a €1 billion contract (Getty Images)
Germany plans to strengthen its military capabilities, potentially spending $3.47 billion, including on combat helicopters, Bloomberg reports.
According to a government document, the German parliament intends to approve defense equipment purchases worth more than €3 billion ($3.47 billion). Lawmakers are expected to approve the decision on Wednesday during a closed session.
The document states that, as part of a major military buildup, Germany plans to acquire 20 combat helicopters from Airbus. The contract is valued at around €1 billion.
The list of defense deals also includes the delivery of 100,000 night-vision devices from Hensoldt AG and Theon International, with the contract valued at approximately €1 billion.
Additionally, the German Ministry of Defense is seeking approval to purchase additional IRIS-T SLM surface-to-air guided missiles for €1.2 billion.
Bloomberg notes that after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's ruling coalition began a broad modernization of Germany's armed forces. Hundreds of billions of euros have been allocated to strengthen national defense.
In October, the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, approved 18 defense contracts worth more than €14 billion. Dozens of major purchases are expected to be approved by the end of 2025.
Recently, German Defense Minister Carsten Breuer said the country is studying the course of the full-scale war in Ukraine to prevent Russia from expecting a quick victory in future conflicts.
"Russia must never come to the assumption that it can win a war against NATO or a single NATO country," he said, adding, "We need to look into the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine."
