Germany’s €152 billion defence plan criticised amid tank spending debate

Germany has announced a major increase in its defence budget, adding a €100 billion “special fund” after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and raising the regular budget from €62.4 billion in 2025 to €82.7 billion in 2026, with a target of €152 billion by 2029.

Critics argue the money is not being allocated efficiently. Former defence‑ ministry official Nico Lange said, “It is the same dysfunctional system as before. They are just pouring much more money into it,” and warned that without reforms the extra funds will not improve outcomes. The June cancellation of the joint Franco‑German FCAS fighter programme, which had been slated for over €100 billion, has intensified the debate.

SPD Bundestag defence committee member Andreas Schwarz said the war in Ukraine “completely changes the way war is fought.” During a recent visit to Ukraine he observed that Ukrainian forces were not asking for Leopard tanks or Taurus cruise missiles, but instead needed drones, ammunition, IT modernisation, satellites and communications. He argued that future German defence spending should focus on these capabilities rather than on additional heavy armour.