Parliament ready to approve major defense package – DW – 12/17/2025

The Bundestag budget committee is expected to agree on a €52 billion ($61 billion) military spending package as Germany looks to rapidly scale back the security threat posed by Russian aggression.

The military equipment to be purchased includes clothing and protective equipment for soldiers worth €21 billion and 200 Puma infantry fighting vehicles worth €4 billion.

The missile shield system Arrow 3 rockets developed by Israel and the US are also on the 29-point list of wanted purchases proposed by the German armed forces or Bundeswehr.

German arms maker Rhinemetal is also to receive a €1.76 billion order for a satellite-based reconnaissance system to support Bundeswehr forces deployed in Lithuania, on NATO’s eastern flank.

The Budget Committee is in charge of all large-scale arms purchases, so it does not require full parliamentary approval.

Military outlays have been exempted from rules restricting public debt for the next few years as Germany tries to bring its fighting forces back to full combat readiness after years of underfunding.

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In possibly its last meeting before the end of 2025, the Federal Cabinet will discuss welfare and pension reforms, while the Bundestag is expected to sign off on military purchases worth billions.

Germany is also trying to grapple with the growing threat to livestock posed by wolves, which are currently a strictly protected species.

You can follow along here for our round-up of the main topics of news in Germany on Wednesday, December 17.