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The Great Comeback/ Germany approves 50 billion euro rearmament package, the largest figure in history after World War II

2025-12-17 20:13:40Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
The Great Comeback/ Germany approves 50 billion euro rearmament package, the
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

The Bundestag's Budget Committee approved more than 50 billion euros in military procurement contracts on December 17, 2025. The decision marks a major acceleration of Berlin's rearmament process, as the country aims for rapid increases in readiness under the post-2022 Zeitenwende era.

The approvals were given in a closed-door session of the commission, covering large contracts worth over 25 million euros each.

They rely on exemptions from the debt curb and on funds left over from Germany's €100 billion special defense fund.

Record approval from the commission

The Budget Committee approved a package estimated at 50-52 billion euros, one of the largest procurement approvals in German history after World War II.

The package includes around 30 separate contracts covering equipment, systems, services and upgrades for the Bundeswehr, reflecting an effort to expedite years of procurement within a short approval time.

According to German practice, procurements over 25 million euros require approval by the committee, not a vote in plenary session.

This mechanism allows for speed, but concentrates control in a small group of lawmakers, a point that critics raised given the scale and pace of decisions.

Air defense and equipment

The largest single allocation, 21-22 billion euros, is earmarked for basic military equipment, including personal protective equipment and uniforms, with the aim of addressing long-standing shortages that affect readiness.

More than 4 billion euros have been earmarked for additional Puma infantry fighting vehicles, with some reports suggesting around 200 units, following previous reliability problems and upgrades.

Air and missile defense are important. The Commission approved 3-4 billion euros for the expansion of the Arrow 3 system, developed jointly by Israel and the US, and around 2 billion euros for additional Patriot systems.

Investments in artillery include 3.4 billion euros for self-propelled howitzers, underscoring the new focus on high-intensity ground warfare.

Space, sensors and industry

Beyond the platforms, the package includes 1.76 billion euros to Rheinmetall for a satellite reconnaissance system, intended to support German forces stationed in Lithuania.

Other contracts cover infantry vehicle upgrades, missile systems, satellite capabilities, and preparatory steps for future drone purchases.

Defense industry beneficiaries reacted quickly. Shares in companies such as Rheinmetall and Hensoldt rose after reports of the approvals, reflecting expectations of steady orders and planning certainty.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that the "speed and amounts" give the industry predictable demand after decades of interrupted procurement.

Strategic and political context

Reports indicate that Berlin plans to invest up to 650 billion euros in defense between 2025 and 2030, about double previous levels, to meet or exceed NATO's target of 2% of GDP and prepare for potential threats by 2029.

While the governing coalition generally supports the acceleration, some opposition voices, including from the Greens, questioned whether lawmakers had enough time to review such a large volume of contracts.

However, the approvals underscore how Germany's historical restraint has given way to rapid modernization, spurred by Russia's war in Ukraine and the demands of NATO's eastern flank.

 


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