Spare parts and ammunition are needed for the weapon systems – or replacements if equipment is destroyed in battles.
(Photo: Reuters)
Berlin The federal government wants to spend significantly more money in order to be able to provide long-term military support to Ukraine and at the same time to be able to replace the Bundeswehr material that has been surrendered. Up to twelve billion euros are to be budgeted for by 2032, according to a letter from State Secretary for Finance Florian Toncar (FDP) to the Bundestag’s Budget Committee. The board will discuss the plans on Wednesday.
After the USA and Great Britain, Germany is the biggest supporter of Ukraine and has provided military equipment worth 2.7 billion euros since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression, including self-propelled howitzers, multiple rocket launchers, anti-aircraft tanks and an Iris-T SLM air defense system. Not included in the total are 18 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks, the first of which were handed over to Ukraine this week.
Spare parts and ammunition are needed for the weapon systems – or replacements if equipment is destroyed in battles. “Due to the material losses of the Ukrainian armed forces, new supplies of material are required,” says Toncar’s letter, which was first reported by “Spiegel”. In order to be able to further equip the Ukrainian army with air defence, tracked vehicles or ammunition, procurement applications would have to be completed immediately.
So far, the federal budget for this year has earmarked 2.2 billion euros for upgrading partner states in the areas of security, defense and stabilization. Support services for Ukraine are financed from this budget title. The householders are now being asked to reallocate 1.9 billion euros that were originally reserved for dealing with the consequences of the Corona and Ukraine crises.
In addition, the funds for the upgrading initiative are to be increased by a good 1.3 billion euros this year, so that an additional 3.2 billion euros will be available in addition to the planned 2.2 billion euros. For the years 2024 to 2032, the Federal Ministry of Finance is planning to reserve almost 8.4 billion euros for the support of Ukraine and replacement of the Bundeswehr via so-called commitment appropriations.
Long-term assistance
In this way, the federal government wants to create a basis for long-term aid to the country, which has been suffering from the war of aggression instigated by Russian President Vladimir Putin for more than a year.
According to information from security circles, the leadership in Kiev is preparing for an offensive to liberate more parts of their territory from Russia’s hands.
(Photo: dpa)
Previously, most deliveries had been discussed and voted on individually, making the process lengthy and complicated. With the financial package, the government could conclude framework agreements with industry, which in turn can then supply the required material directly to Ukraine.
According to information from security circles, the leadership in Kiev is preparing for an offensive to liberate more parts of their territory from Russia’s hands. In addition to tanks, Ukraine primarily needs ammunition, which has meanwhile become scarce on both sides.
In his letter to the householders, State Secretary Toncar dampened hopes that the hostilities would end soon. Support for Ukraine is expected to last for several more years.
This is how the Handelsblatt reports on the Ukraine war:
FDP defense politician Marcus Faber welcomed the expansion of the aid: “Unfortunately, providing Ukraine with more money to buy weapons against Putin’s invasion is necessary and the best investment in our security,” he told the Handelsblatt.
As reported from industry circles, the householders should also advise on the purchase of 19 Leopard 2 tanks for the Bundeswehr on Wednesday. There is also a framework agreement for a total of 123 Leopard 2 to give the manufacturers planning security and to enable their capacities to be increased. The framework also covers orders from other nations that are interested in purchasing new or additional battle tanks.
More: Current news on the development of the Ukraine war can be found in our news blog