Germany Guided Missiles, Radio Systems and Air Defence: Pace of Defence Procurement Remains High

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The German Bundestag approved numerous ammunition proposals, the purchase of small combat boats for the Sea Battalion, the adaptation of IRIS-T SLM for maritime use, the modernisation and conversion of Fennek reconnaissance vehicles, and laser target designators.

The Bundestag’s Budget Committee approved the procurement of two further batches of AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. Intended for the F-35A and Eurofighter jets, the missiles are used against medium-range aerial targets and will improve the German Air Force’s ability to prevail in combat and the survivability of its aircraft. The purchase will be handled through the US government’s Foreign Military Sales programme and funded from Section 14 of the federal budget.

IRIS-T SLM missiles for F125-class frigates

The current air threat means the self-defence capabilities of the F125-class frigates need to be expanded. The ships are to be equipped with IRIS-T SLM missiles, which have also proved effective in Ukraine’s defence against Russia. The Budget Committee approved a contract to adapt the IRIS-T system for use on F125 frigates.

Digital radio for Fennek reconnaissance vehicles

The committee also approved the integration of digital radios into Fennek 1A1 and 1A2 reconnaissance vehicles as a series-production measure. The project forms part of the Digitalisation of Land-Based Operations programme. It is intended to maintain the vehicles’ rapid, digital command capability during ground reconnaissance and ensure interoperability across the battlefield.

Short- and very-short-range air defence system

The committee approved a second amendment to the contract for the development, production and delivery of a short- and very-short-range air defence system for use against aerial targets by military formations. Among other changes, the amendment provides for the chassis modules of the fire-control and missile air defence vehicles to be adapted to the B0 chassis module used across the Bundeswehr’s Boxer fleet. The missile air defence vehicle’s trainer will also be developed as a containerised simulation and training solution.

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The Budget Committee also approved the following projects:

• Procurement of multipurpose combat boats for the Sea Battalion, including training, documentation and accessories. The boats will provide the unit with tactical mobility in coastal waters.
• Conversion of Fennek reconnaissance vehicles to the Joint Fire Support Team A5.1 configuration. This is a near-term interim solution pending the procurement of sufficient numbers of heavy Joint Fire Support Team vehicles based on the Boxer.
• Procurement of two special batches of medium-range Meteor air-to-air missiles for the German Air Force’s Eurofighters. They will be used to verify tactics, techniques and procedures, and for aircraft integration work as the Eurofighter’s radar is developed further. Meteor is the Eurofighter’s primary weapon for beyond-visual-range air combat.
• An upgrade to one of the Navy’s two full-mission simulators for its NH90 fleet, specifically to integrate the NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter German Navy (NGEN) Step 3 configuration.
• A supplementary framework agreement for services from the Secure Inter-Network Technology (SINA) product portfolio. SINA enables secure, interoperable communication even over insecure networks.
• A framework agreement, including a firm order, for 70 mm high-explosive and training rockets for the Bundeswehr’s Tiger attack helicopter and Light Combat Helicopter.
• The first amendment to a framework agreement for additional laser target designators (LTDs) for dismounted Joint Fire Support Teams. The delivery will complete the teams’ basic equipment, enabling them to guide munitions fitted with laser seekers precisely onto targets.
• A follow-on contract securing the Bundeswehr’s access to strategic airlift capacity under the Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS). SALIS carries particularly heavy and oversized cargo and is the backbone of flexible, rapid air deployment of German forces.