The Bundestag, the German parliament, approved another EUR594 million (USD662.5 million) on 11 December to improve the capabilities of the Bundeswehr, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on its website. The ministry said on 12 December that the money would be used to procure more Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) and anti-radiation missiles, extend the lifetime of the Marder infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), buy more road clearance systems, and enable Germany to join the European Secure Software-defined Radio (ESSOR) programme.
The Bundestag has approved about EUR109 million for new drive trains for 71 Marder A5 and A5A1 IFVs, which, along with spare parts from Marders no longer in use, is expected to provide enough spare parts for those still in service until at least 2030, after which they will be replaced by the new Puma IFV. (Rheinmetall)
EUR185 million were allocated to buy another 100 Meteor missiles, including accessories, allowing the Luftwaffe to meet NATO requirements for multirole and air-to-air-roled Eurofighter combat aircraft, according to the German MoD.
The Bundestag approved EUR127 million to convert 85 AGM-88B High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) into AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM), plus EUR68 million for their certification for and integration into Tornado bombers, allowing the Luftwaffe to retain its ability to suppress enemy air defences.
About EUR109 million were earmarked for new drive trains for 71 Marder A5 and A5A1 IFVs. The MoD expected this, along with spare parts from Marders no longer in use, to provide enough spare parts for those still in service until at least 2030, after which they will be replaced by the new Puma IFV.
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