BERLIN --- The Bundestag has approved the purchase of initially 18 Leopard 2 main battle tanks in the latest A8 version. In addition, a further twelve PzH2000 self-propelled howitzers can be procured, as well as a simulator for the future P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
At its meeting on May 24, the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved three procurement projects for the Bundeswehr. All armament projects that exceed an investment volume of 25 million euros must be approved by the budget committee before the contract is signed.
The army will receive 18 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. The latest version currently in use in the Bundeswehr is the Leopard 2 A7V. The more modern Leopard 2A8 are to be delivered between 2025 and 2026. The framework agreement with the manufacturer includes an option to purchase additional Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. In this version currently available on the market, the main battle tank is equipped with the Trophy active protection system.
Since this is a subsequent procurement of material given to Ukraine, the financing of the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank does not come from the defense budget, but from the individual Plan 60 of the federal budget. There, the so-called upgrading title provides for the funds managed jointly by the Federal Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defense for the federal government's upgrading initiative. The upgrade initiative is a security policy instrument of the federal government to support partner states with military material, equipment and training.
More self-propelled howitzers to replace Ukraine donations
Additional PzH2000 will be financed due to further support for the Ukraine, also from funds from the federal government's upgrading initiative. The twelve new artillery systems are to be delivered to the Bundeswehr in 2026. In March of this year, the Budget Committee had already approved the purchase of ten PzH2000 self-propelled howitzers to replace the ones handed over to Ukraine.
Simulator for future maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon
At its meeting, the Budget Committee also approved the purchase of a simulator for the future P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The procurement of five P-8A Poseidon aircraft was approved in 2021. They will replace the previously used P-3C Orion by 2025 and will serve as an interim solution until the future Franco-German cooperation project Maritime Airborne Warfare System (MAWS Maritime Airborne Warfare System) is operational.
The simulator is financed from the Bundeswehr special fund. It should be available to future Poseidon crews for training from 2027.
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