Overview

• The Defence Ministry is examining a proposal to buy up to 1,000 Leopard 2 main battle tanks and 2,500 GTK Boxer armoured vehicles at an estimated cost of €25 billion.
• The acquisition would supply seven additional brigades for NATO’s eastern flank in response to an alliance request for expanded German capabilities.
• Rheinmetall, KNDS and their joint venture ARTEC have been identified as the prime contractors for the proposed vehicles.
• Germany’s 2025 defence budget has risen by about €10 billion to €62.43 billion, with a special Bundeswehr fund bringing total military spending above €86 billion.
• The Defence Ministry declined to comment on the Bloomberg report, and officials expect a final procurement decision by year-end.