The German Bundestag has approved seven major defense contracts to strengthen national and NATO capabilities, including a 3.75-billion-euro ($4.36 billion) deal for 20 Tranche 5 Eurofighter aircraft.
The new aircraft will replace the aging Tornado ECR fleet in the suppression of enemy air defenses roles. They will be equipped with E-Scan active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar systems.
The Eurofighter deal, financed through a regular defense budget, also covers engines, as well as spare and replacement parts. Deliveries are scheduled from 2031 to 2034.
Germany has also allocated 412 million euros ($480 million) for upgraded flight and tactics simulators to support pilot training and license maintenance. Funding comes from both the Bundeswehr special fund and the regular defense budget.
Eurofighter Enhancements
With the Eurofighter serving as the backbone of Berlin’s combat aircraft fleet, the German government has approved additional investments to boost its capabilities amid heightened tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Under a 1.13-billion-euro ($1.3 billion) funding, the Eurofighters will receive electronic warfare capability upgrades specifically designed to suppress ground-based air defenses.
They will also be fitted with the Arexis self-protection suite and precision-guided air-to-ground munitions.
An additional 82 million euros ($95.5 million) will fund EloKa (Elektronische Kampfführung) components for test facilities at the Eurofighter system support center.
These programs, financed through both the Bundeswehr special fund and regular budget, will run until 2033.
Armor-Piercing Ammo
Germany will also procure 27×145 mm frangible armor-piercing rounds under a 53-million-euro ($61.69 million) budget from the Bundeswehr special fund.
The ammunition is typically used in training and fired from the onboard cannons of Tornado and Eurofighter jets, as well as from light naval guns, primarily to strike ground targets.
Procurement is scheduled until 2027.
Naval Modernization
Germany is simultaneously reinforcing its maritime capabilities through new mission boats, communication systems, and minehunters.
The navy’s special forces will receive medium-range mission boats, intended to replace the aging Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats H 1010.
Meanwhile, satellite communication transmitters and receivers will upgrade the command and communication systems of several vessels, including F124-class frigates, 404-class tenders, 702-class replenishment ships, K130-class corvettes, and F123-class frigates.
Shore-based systems will also be modernized, with additional contracts planned for crypto modules and system certification.
Finally, the budget committee cleared the acquisition of minehunting sonar systems for Class 332 minehunter ships, replacing obsolete signal-processing electronics.
