Germany Approves Fast-Track Procurement Law to Boost Military Readiness

In a move to overhaul its defense logistics and rapidly strengthen its armed forces, the German Cabinet has approved the Planning and Procurement Acceleration Act (BwPBBG) aimed at fast-tracking Bundeswehr acquisitions.

The legislation follows the ongoing shift in Germany’s defense priorities after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The reforms mark one of the most significant changes to Germany’s defense procurement system since the Cold War, reflecting the urgency of shoring up Europe’s military capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The new law expands and replaces the 2022 Bundeswehr Procurement Acceleration Act (BwBBG) with broader scope and extended authority until 2035. Its core goal is to streamline procurement procedures—covering everything from combat systems and radar infrastructure to medical supplies and civilian contracts.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the urgency, stating that “speed is the order of the day” in equipping the troops. “Our national and alliance defense responsibilities have fundamentally changed,” he added during a joint press briefing with Economics Minister Reiche following the Cabinet’s approval.

The draft law will now move to the Bundestag for parliamentary approval, with implementation scheduled for early 2026.

Key measures in the BwPBBG include:

• Broadened scope: The law will cover all Bundeswehr procurement needs—including non-military items like medical supplies and infrastructure.
• Exemptions from procurement law: Direct awards and advance payments will be allowed to speed up contracts and support startups.
• Suspension of lot awards: Until 2030, contract fragmentation rules will be paused to facilitate quicker execution.
• Higher thresholds: Simplified procurement below EU value thresholds will be allowed, easing procedural burdens.
• G2G facilitation: The law encourages government-to-government purchases, bypassing lengthy commercial routes.
• Interoperability exemption: Defense equipment necessary for joint operations with allies can be procured without public tenders.
• Third country exclusion: Contracts can exclude non-EU bidders when national security is at stake.
• Legal changes: Immediate appeals to Higher Regional Courts will lose their suspensive effect, preventing delays in urgent contracts.

Amendments to Germany’s Air Traffic Act are also included to ensure seamless operation of air defense radars—addressing technical and legal barriers to deploying vital surveillance infrastructure.