Enlarge image
The US F-35 stealth jet (here a machine in the Netherlands) is intended to partially replace "Tornado" fighter jets
Photo: VINCENT JANNINK / EPA-EFE
There is nothing standing in the way of the "turning point" announced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, at least in one aspect: the special fund of 100 billion euros for the Bundeswehr will come.
The governing parties reached an agreement with the Union faction late on Sunday evening.
Despite some dissenters in the government factions, it is considered certain that the Bundestag will decide on the amendment to the Basic Law next Friday.
In the economic plan, which is available to SPIEGEL, it is detailed how many billions are to be spent on which areas.
The money will be used primarily for the procurement of large military equipment.
What investments are planned? The overview:
Research, development and artificial intelligence - 422 million euros
Almost half a billion euros are to be spent on research into new navigation devices and the use of artificial intelligence for the military.
Among other things, "robust navigation" under NAVWAR (Navigation
Warfare
)
on
land and sea and "monitoring and securing large areas using AI" are to be invested in.
Clothing and personal equipment - 1.932 billion euros
Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht has already announced the package to better equip the soldiers, including new helmets and combat boots.
Leadership/digitization – 20.742 billion euros
According to the economic plan, the Bundeswehr will spend a good 21 billion euros on the "leadership capability" of the troops, i.e. modern digital radios, their own data networks for the combat units and the expansion of the Bundeswehr satellites.
Land Forces – 16.6 billion euros
In the case of the land forces, large-scale equipment is to be procured.
At the top of the list is retrofitting the puncture-prone Puma tanks.
In addition, the funds are to be used to finance "heavy weapon carriers" for the infantry and new over-snow vehicles.
A replacement is to be found for the "Fuchs" tank, which is getting on in years.
A successor model is also planned for the »Marder« infantry fighting vehicle.
According to SPIEGEL information, the first funds from the 16 billion for the army should also flow into the plan to develop a new European battle tank in the coming years.
Naval Forces – 19.306 billion euros
The Navy also focuses on large equipment in its planning.
So you want to buy new class 130 corvettes, more 126 frigates and class 212 CD submarines for the naval forces.
Also on the Navy's wish list are a new missile system for warships and a new anti-aircraft system for submarines.
The list also includes multipurpose combat boats and a modern underwater detection system.
Air Force – 40.908 billion euros
The largest post is earmarked for the Air Force, which has been a problem child for the troops for years.
Of the almost 41 billion euros, new Eurofighters and a new transport helicopter are to be purchased.
In addition, the decrepit "Tornado" is to be replaced, among other things by F35 jets from the USA.
The fighter bombers from the USA, like the »Tornado«, can also carry US atomic bombs.
In addition, there are other requests from the Air Force such as new maritime reconnaissance aircraft, the modernization of air defense and the space-based early warning system »Twister«.
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