The Budget Committee of the German Parliament has approved the allocation of more than €6 billion for the purchase of tanks, ammunition and air defence systems.
Points of attention
- Germany allocated more than €6 billion to purchase Leopard tanks and Patriot systems to support military plans, including sending aid to Ukraine.
- The "Frankenstein" hybrid anti-aircraft tank with installed Skyranger systems can effectively intercept aerial targets of the criminal army of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.
- Germany's improved armoured forces, including the most advanced version of the Leopard tank, will be introduced between 2027 and 2030.
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz surprised the world by creating a special fund of 100 billion euros for the modernization of the army in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine.
- Hybrid tanks and air defence systems will help suppress enemy artillery fire and intercept drones.
Germany will buy more than 100 Leopard tanks and four Patriot systems
It is noted that these funds will be used to purchase 105 Leopard 2 A8 tanks and 200,000 artillery shells.
In addition, four Patriot systems will be purchased for 1.35 billion euros.
According to the committee members, acquiring this equipment and ammunition will contribute to achieving Germany's military plans and allow Ukraine to receive assistance.
Some of the tanks will go to the German combat brigade in Lithuania, which is being created as part of NATO's efforts to deter Russia, while the rest will strengthen the armored forces in Germany, which currently number 300 vehicles.
This state-of-the-art version of the Leopard tank is expected to enter service with the German Armed Forces between 2027 and 2030.
Reuters adds that Germany has already approved military purchases worth almost €27 billion within six months.
Days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz surprised allies by announcing a Zeitenwende (turning point), which included the creation of a special fund of €100 billion to modernise the military.
What is known about the anti-aircraft tank "Frankenstein" supplied to Ukraine?
Rheinmetall specialists installed the most modern Skyranger air defence system on Leopard 1 tank hulls and planned to transfer these hybrid installations to the Ukrainian military.
It is noted that these installations are capable of intercepting aerial targets of the criminal army of the Russian Federation in Ukraine at short distances.
These hybrid tanks can intercept enemy drones and suppress enemy artillery fire.
There are still many Leopard 1 main battle tanks on the chassis of which we could install a Skyranger turret with a 35mm automatic gun, says Rheinmetall's head of land systems Björn Bernhard.
