Germany Plans €25 Billion Tank, Armored Vehicle Procurement

Germany is planning a major military expansion with a proposed €25 billion ($29.4 billion) procurement program to acquire up to 2,500 GTK Boxer armored vehicles and 1,000 Leopard 2 tanks to equip seven new NATO brigades. This initiative marks Germany's largest defense investment in decades and is part of a broader European effort to bolster deterrence against Russia amidst ongoing security concerns following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The procurement, involving companies Rheinmetall, KNDS Deutschland, and ARTEC, reflects a strategic shift away from Germany's traditionally restrained military posture towards building fully equipped, combat-ready forces capable of rapid deployment. The government is increasing its defense budget to 3.5% of GDP by 2029 and plans to add up to 60,000 soldiers, including initiating a voluntary military service in 2026. Legislative approval for the purchases is expected by the end of 2025, with the move widely seen as a response to NATO's request for Germany to contribute significantly to collective defense amid heightened concerns about Russia's military buildup and aggression. This transformation underscores Germany's new commitment to European security and reshapes the continent's defense landscape.