Bundestag Budget Committee approves new Bundeswehr purchases worth Over EUR 2.5 billion

The first contract focuses on the development of a wheeled 120mm self-propelled mortar. This system will be based on the Finnish Patria 6×6 armoured vehicle, which Germany can acquire under the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme. Germany officially became a full participant in this programme on 30 January.

The development plan includes both a fire-support vehicle equipped with the NEMO mortar and a command and control vehicle. The project will focus on qualifying and adapting the system to meet Bundeswehr requirements. This includes integrating digital radios with the ADLER artillery fire control and command system. The German government has allocated approximately €51 million for the initial development phase, funded from a special military fund. From 2028 onwards, the programme will be financed through the defence ministry’s budget.

A second approved project involves the procurement of additional Infantry of the Future (Infanterist der Zukunft, IdZ) soldier systems. These systems will include uniforms, protective gear, weapons, optoelectronics, radios, and battlefield management components. The Bundeswehr will spend nearly €418 million from its special fund on this programme.

The most expensive initiative among the newly approved projects is the acquisition of the Tactical Wide Area Network for Land-Based Operations (TaWAN LBO). The contract is valued at approximately €1.9 billion, with funding sourced from both the defence ministry’s budget and the special military fund. This system will provide the German military with a mobile data exchange platform for land-based operations.

The TaWAN LBO aims to reduce the Bundeswehr’s dependence on satellite communications. It will offer enhanced resilience against electronic warfare threats while ensuring networked connectivity for multinational operations.

Additionally, around €48 million from the special fund will be used to acquire remote-controlled weapon stations known as Fernbedienbarer Leichter Waffenstationen 100 (FLW 100). These are designed for armoured vehicles such as the Dingo, Boxer, Fennek, and Eagle V, and they will be equipped with machine guns.

Finally, funding has been secured for the purchase of launchers and ammunition for Wirkmittel 90 (RGW 90) and Panzerfaust 3 anti-tank grenade launchers. This transaction, valued at approximately €103 million, will also be financed through the special military fund.