Germany to acquire 40% stake in Franco‑German tank maker KNDS

The German federal government has decided to purchase a 40% share in KNDS, the Franco‑German defence consortium that produces the Leclerc and Puma main battle tanks. The investment will give Germany equal decision‑making rights with France, which currently holds a larger share. The government also announced a plan to lower its holding to 30% within two to three years, reflecting Defence Minister Pistorius' call for stronger state participation in the national arms industry.

The move follows prolonged negotiations and signals a shift toward greater public ownership in Germany's defence sector.