Germany Approves Eurofighter Buy, New Naval Boats

Germany’s Bundestag Budget Committee has approved multiple major defense projects worth billions, advancing one of the largest modernization efforts for the Bundeswehr in recent years.

The new procurements span across the Air Force, Navy, and Army, strengthening Germany’s operational readiness within NATO.

Air Force Procurement

The committee approved the purchase of Eurofighter Tranche 5 combat aircraft, including engines and spare parts, valued at €3.75 billion. Deliveries are planned from 2031 to 2034. Equipped with an EScan radar, the jets will replace the aging Tornado fleet and take over electronic combat and reconnaissance roles.

Additional funding of €412 million was cleared for upgrading Eurofighter flight and tactical simulators, enabling training for the aircraft’s new radar and combat systems. A further €1.13 billion will develop the Eurofighter’s electronic warfare capability, integrating the AREXIS self-protection system and advanced air-to-ground missiles.

The committee also approved €53 million for armor-piercing ammunition used by Eurofighter and Tornado aircraft, ensuring continued training and mission readiness.

Naval Procurement

The German Navy will acquire new operational boats for Special Forces to replace outdated RHIB vessels, enhancing global mission capability in coastal and medium-range operations.

A modernization package for naval telecommunications and command systems was approved, covering Class 124 frigates, Class 130 corvettes, Class 404 tenders, and Class 702 support ships. The upgrade, beginning in 2025, includes new satellite communications and crypto modules.

Additionally, the committee approved procurement of minehunting sonar systems for Class 332 minehunters, replacing obsolete sensors to meet NATO standards.

Army Procurement

For land forces, the Bundestag approved additional Boxer Heavy Armored Medical Vehicles and driving school variants, totaling €418 million, along with €139 million to modernize existing vehicles under the Digitization of Land-Based Operations (D-LBO) initiative.

A separate project will modernize the Army Combat Training Center, integrating D-LBO systems for real-time digital exercise data with partner forces.

The Army will also receive:

• A framework for 20 field tank farms to improve deployed fuel logistics.
• Procurement of light airborne combat and support vehicles for Special Forces operations.
• A joint German-British development of the Floating Rapid Bridge 2, based on a Swedish system, capable of carrying heavy battle tanks. Germany’s share is €53 million, with optional procurement of €331 million.
• L3 Harris AN/PRC-160 HF radios from the U.S. under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to boost shortwave communications during emergencies.

The projects are financed through a combination of the Bundeswehr Special Fund and Germany’s regular defense budget, reinforcing its military commitments to NATO and European defense.