DonateGerman Armament Report 2024: 1,071 procurement procedures conducted for Bundeswehr
The German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) has released the German Armament Report 2024, which outlines significant demands and updates on various defense projects. This annual report is crucial for informing the parliament and ensuring that the Bundeswehr is well-equipped to face contemporary security challenges.
Accelerating Procurement Processes
One of the central themes of the report is the emphasis on speeding up the procurement process for military equipment. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has mandated an acceleration in all phases of procurement, from planning to contract negotiations and delivery. The 2022 Bundeswehr Procurement Acceleration Act (BwBBG) has been instrumental in this regard, with 1,071 procurement procedures conducted by April 30, 2024, 229 of which benefited from the new law’s expedited processes.
Importance of the Defense Industry
The report highlights the critical role of a robust and reliable defense industry in closing the capability gaps that have emerged over three decades of peace dividends. The defense technology sector, particularly the medium-sized enterprises, is described as the backbone of Germany’s security and defense industry. These companies are vital for the Bundeswehr’s operational readiness and material maintenance.
Financial Commitments
The German government remains committed to its NATO obligations, with defense spending projected to reach 2.1% of the GDP in 2024. The defense budget for 2024 is approximately €52 billion, an increase of €1.8 billion from the previous year. Additionally, the Bundeswehr’s special fund of €100 billion will support numerous critical and complex armament projects, with an additional €19.8 billion allocated for 2024.
German Armament Report 2024 – Key Projects
The 19th Armament Report details several critical projects aimed at modernizing the Bundeswehr. Here are the key projects with their descriptions, duration, and future usage within the German armed forces:
- Light Combat Helicopter
- Description: A versatile and agile helicopter designed for reconnaissance and light attack missions.
- Duration: Ongoing since the early 2010s.
- Future Pieces: Approximately 40 units planned for deployment.
- Heavy Transport Helicopter (Chinook)
- Description: The CH-47 Chinook is a twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter used for troop movement, artillery placement, and battlefield resupply.
- Duration: Project initiated in 2021.
- Future Pieces: 60 units expected to be integrated into the fleet.
- Eurofighter with AESA Radar
- Description: An advanced multi-role fighter aircraft equipped with the latest Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for superior situational awareness and targeting.
- Duration: Upgrades began in 2019.
- Future Pieces: 38 upgraded units.
- F-35A Lightning II
- Description: A fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter designed for ground attack, aerial reconnaissance, and air defense missions.
- Duration: Procurement started in 2022.
- Future Pieces: 35 units planned.
- A400M Transport Aircraft
- Description: A tactical airlifter capable of performing strategic airlift missions, including transporting troops and heavy equipment.
- Duration: In service since 2013.
- Future Pieces: 53 units in total.
- PEGASUS Surveillance System
- Description: A high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
- Duration: Development started in 2017.
- Future Pieces: 5 systems.
- Euro-Drone
- Description: A medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV designed for ISR and target acquisition.
- Duration: Joint European project initiated in 2016.
- Future Pieces: 21 units.
- Submarine Class 212CD
- Description: An advanced diesel-electric attack submarine with air-independent propulsion, enhancing stealth capabilities.
- Duration: Project started in 2019.
- Future Pieces: 6 submarines.
- Corvette Class 130 (second batch)
- Description: Small, fast, and highly maneuverable warships designed for coastal defense and surveillance.
- Duration: Second batch ordered in 2017.
- Future Pieces: 5 additional corvettes.
- Frigate Class 126 and 127
- Description: Multi-purpose frigates designed for anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and surface warfare.
- Duration: Class 126 project started in 2016; Class 127 in 2020.
- Future Pieces: 4 units of Class 126 and 3 units of Class 127.
- Boxer Armored Transport Vehicle
- Description: A highly modular, multirole armored fighting vehicle used for troop transport and medical evacuation.
- Duration: In service since 2009.
- Future Pieces: 131 units.
- Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle
- Description: A state-of-the-art infantry fighting vehicle with advanced armor and firepower capabilities.
- Duration: Development began in the early 2000s.
- Future Pieces: 350 units.
- Arrow Missile Defense System
- Description: A missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles.
- Duration: Procurement started in 2018.
- Future Pieces: 3 batteries.
- Short-Range Air Defense System
- Description: A system designed to protect troops and installations from aerial threats at short ranges.
- Duration: Development began in 2016.
- Future Pieces: 10 systems.
- Main Ground Combat System (MGCS)
- Description: A next-generation main battle tank developed in collaboration with France.
- Duration: Project initiated in 2015.
- Future Pieces: 200 units planned.
- Future Combat Air System (FCAS)
- Description: A European project to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet and its associated systems.
- Duration: Launched in 2017.
- Future Pieces: Operational by 2040, with an initial fleet of 100 units.
German Armament Report 2024 – Ensuring Reliable Funding
The report stresses the need for continuous and reliable funding to meet the growing financial demands of the Bundeswehr. The mid-term financial planning extends to 2027, by which time the special fund will be nearly exhausted. From 2025 onwards, a steadily increasing defense budget is essential to cover operational costs and initiate new armament projects, ensuring sustained and enhanced defense capabilities.
Addressing Security Challenges
The 19th Armament Report acknowledges the fundamental changes in the security landscape, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It underscores the necessity for a combat-ready Bundeswehr capable of effective deterrence. The report aims to close identified capability gaps and strengthen Germany’s alliance and defense capabilities amidst significant security challenges.
In summary, the 19th Armament Report outlines the strategic direction and financial commitments necessary to ensure that the Bundeswehr remains capable of defending national and allied interests in an increasingly volatile global environment.
The Armament Report is available here.
For more information on Procurement and Armament please visit the query here.
