Bundeswehr Procurement: Economist Calls for Increased Speed and Control

Interview with Klaus-Heiner Röhl, economist "The state must scrutinise bids carefully and challenge costs where necessary."

2026-02-26 From 7 min Reading Time

In the wake of the war in Ukraine and under pressure from the US administration on its NATO partners, Germany has embarked on a major financial push in defence procurement. Yet greater pragmatism - and above all speed - will be essential, argues economist Klaus-Heiner Röhl in an interview with Aerospace & Defence.

Klaus-Heiner Röhl: Procurement must be more pragmatic.(Source: IW) — Klaus-Heiner Röhl: Procurement must be more pragmatic.
(Source: IW)

In 2025, Germany invested around €86 billion in defence. For 2026, more than €108 billion has been earmarked for external security. According to current plans, annual defence spending is set to rise to over €150 billion by 2029. But does money, on its own, translate quickly into military capability?

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