Germany is planning a large-scale arms purchase in the second half of 2025, comprising around 20 Eurofighter combat aircraft, up to 3,000 Boxer armored transport vehicles, and IRIS-T SLM air defense systems.
The total cost of acquiring the Eurofighters could amount to around €4 to €5 billion, while spending on the Boxer vehicles is expected to be around €10 billion.
The Ministry of Defense is also planning to expand its air defense capabilities, including SkyRanger defense drones.
The IRIS-T SLM, produced in Germany, is a medium-range air defense system capable of engaging targets at a distance of up to 40 kilometers and at altitudes of up to 20 kilometers. It is part of the European Sky Shield initiative to strengthen Europe's collective defense.
Germany and Switzerland are jointly procuring the system. Switzerland recently purchased five systems for around 500 million Swiss francs.
The German Boxer armored vehicles are from the KNDS Rheinmetall consortium and are among the most modern and highly mobile vehicles, intended primarily for airborne and ground troops.
Delivery of the vehicles and air defense systems is scheduled for the coming decade.
(reuters, sie)