Special assets for the Bundeswehr: the lion’s share for the Air Force

The Bundeswehr will receive 100 billion euros as a special fund. To the ARD Capital Studio the draft for the business plan is available, which outlines which areas should benefit most.

From the new fighter jet to the radio: the Bundeswehr is to be re-equipped on a large and “supposedly small” basis. So much was already clear. Now, however, the procurement plans are becoming more concrete: the Air Force is likely to be the biggest beneficiary of the 100 billion windfall.

A total of around 40.9 billion euros is earmarked for the “air dimension”, according to a confidential list that ARD Capital Studio present. Among them are the US F-35 stealth jet, which is intended to be the successor to the decrepit Tornado. But also the procurement of heavy transport helicopters, the planned armament of the Heron TP drone and the development and purchase of the ECR Eurofighter.

Successor to the Marder armored personnel carrier

19.3 billion euros are earmarked for the “sea” sector, i.e. the navy, followed by the army with 16.6 billion. Among other things, a successor to the Marder infantry fighting vehicle is listed here, as well as the retrofitting of the remaining Puma 1 infantry fighting vehicles.

Another major item worth more than 20 billion euros is the modernization of communications: i.e. the expansion of the Bundeswehr satellites in space through to digital radios.

According to the paper, a comparatively small amount of two billion would be spent on “clothing and personal equipment” for the soldiers. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht has repeatedly emphasized that remedial action is urgently needed. Among other things, combat shoes and night vision devices are specifically named under this point.

Decision already on Friday?

Late on Sunday evening, the traffic light parties and the Union had settled their dispute that had lasted several weeks and agreed on the anchoring of the 100 billion special fund for the Bundeswehr in the Basic Law. So that it is clear in which areas the troops will be retrofitted, a so-called economic plan is necessary, the basis of which is the dem ARD Capital Studio present paper is.

This economic plan, together with the amendment to the Basic Law, should be decided by the Bundestag on Friday, if possible.