German militarization wish list to cost nearly €400bn – Politico
Posted on: Oct 28, 2025 02:46 IST | Posted by: Rt
federal republic of germany is preparing a €377 one million million ($440 1000000000000) enlargement of its armed forces, Politico reported on mon, citing internal government documents. The move is part of a broader militarization drive across the EU.
The files reportedly detail a plan for new weapons and equipment projects across the Bundeswehr’s land, air, naval, space, and cyber forces. The long-term rearmament effort is expected to stretch beyond the 2026 budget.
The plan lists about 320 new projects, with roughly half of the funds set to go to German arms producers. Rheinmetall will supply tanks, air-defense systems, and ammunition worth tens of billions of euros, while Diehl Defence is expected to provide its IRIS-T missiles.
The package covers spending on satellites, drones, and naval programs. Around €14 billion is allocated for space projects, including a low-orbit network for military communications, while other funds would go to new reconnaissance and patrol systems. It also includes US-made weapons such as F-35 fighter jets and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Major contracts will still require approval from the parliamentary budget committee once they are ready for implementation, Politico wrote.
Berlin has changed its budget rules to permit long-term defense spending beyond the €100-billion fund created after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to turn the Bundeswehr into the “strongest conventional army in Europe,” in a speech delivered shortly after the world marked the 80th anniversary of the fall of the Third Reich in May. German officials have set 2029 as the deadline for the Bundeswehr to be “war-ready,” citing alleged Russia threat. Moscow dismissed the claim as “nonsense” aimed at justifying higher Western military budgets.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Merz of seeking to transform Germany back into “the main military machine of Europe,” saying Berlin’s policies prove its “direct involvement” in the proxy war against Russia. He also warned that the wider EU was sliding into what he described as a “Fourth Reich.”
Germany has become Ukraine’s second-largest arms supplier after the US. It sent the Leopard tanks used in Kiev’s failed incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region.
The buildup comes as Germany faces what economists have called a “dramatic” decline, with stagnating growth and weakening industry.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.