Bundeswehr plans to spend 2.93 billion euros on modernization

German defense chief Boris Pistorius plans to order 105 Leopard 2 A8 battle tanks to modernize German forces. According to a confidential submission to the Bundestag budget committee, the tanks will cost 2.93 billion euros.

The order is intended to equip Germany's combat brigade in Lithuania, which will be one of the first elements of forward defense in the NATO alliance.

The German Finance Ministry notes that the money for the tanks will not cover either the $100 billion special fund or the annual budgets the department has previously set aside for years starting in 2025. Instead, a so-called commitment authorization is to be issued. That way, the federal government guarantees that the bills will eventually be paid, and the order can be activated.

The German army is expected to receive Leopard tanks by 2030.

On June 6, the German government updated a Cold War-era "framework directive on total defense" because of predictions of a likely russian attack on NATO countries. Such a plan outlines security measures in the event of aggression.

On June 7, it was revealed that the Bundeswehr needs 75,000 soldiers to meet the North Atlantic Alliance's defense plans, as the need for additional German personnel is greater than previously thought.