Germany Plans Major Procurement Wave To Rebuild Conventional Military Power

Germany is preparing to undertake one of the most significant rearmament efforts in its post-war history. The redefinition of Europe’s security environment, triggered by Russia’s war against Ukraine and reinforced by growing doubts about the durability of U.S. security guarantees, has led Berlin to adopt a more assertive military posture. After decades of underinvestment, the Bundeswehr finds itself needing to fill critical capability gaps across all domains. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has positioned defence revitalisation as a core pillar of his political agenda, linking it to the broader goal of restoring Germany’s credibility as a military power within Europe and NATO.

The objective is not symbolic: it reflects a strategic shift towards building Europe’s most capable conventional force by 2030. This change entails not only increased spending, but a radical transformation of procurement scale, speed, and ambition. According to Reuters (July 30, 2025), Germany is preparing multi-billion-euro orders for major platforms, including 20 additional Eurofighter jets, up to 3,000 Boxer armoured vehicles, and 3,500 Patria infantry fighting vehicles. The Boxer procurement, involving KNDS and Rheinmetall, is estimated at €10 billion, while the Patria vehicles are valued at €7 billion.

The Eurofighter package could cost between €4 and €5 billion. Deliveries are expected over the next decade, making this one of the most extended and comprehensive military procurement plans since reunification. These orders are part of a broader policy to reduce dependence on the United States and to position Germany as a central pillar in European defence. Merz’s initiative follows parliamentary approval of a constitutional exemption allowing defence investments to bypass debt ceiling constraints—significantly increasing Germany’s regular defence budget, which is projected to rise to €83 billion in 2026.

The planned acquisitions span multiple operational domains, reflecting a desire to restore comprehensive military capabilities. The Eurofighters will reinforce the Luftwaffe's air superiority and multi-role strike capacity, addressing concerns about the ageing Tornado fleet.