Germany is purchasing a large number of missiles and is looking for a replacement for the Gepard
17 December, 2023 German Patriot PAC 2 SAM. Photo from open sources The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved a large purchase of guided missiles.
This is stated on the website of the German Ministry of Defense. Besides, the development of a new anti-aircraft artillery air defense system to replace Gepard might begin. Iris-T air-to-air missiles will be purchased to equip Eurofighter and Tornado aircraft.
Germany is ordering 120 missiles along with related equipment worth a total of EUR108 million. They are designed to replace 120 missiles provided within the support program for Ukraine.
Iris-T air-to-air missile. Photo from open sources
The missiles are due to be delivered in 2026.
The ordered 120 Iris-T is part of a framework agreement for the possible production and delivery of up to 1,280 missiles. The committee also approved the purchase of 500 missiles and spare parts for the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system. The total investment is EUR3.01 billion.
400 missiles would be purchased for about EUR2.4 billion over the next few years from a special Bundeswehr fund and then financed by the conventional defense budget. Funds totaling about 602 million euros for 100 missiles will be allocated from a separate budget, as this number of missiles was transferred to Ukraine. NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) handles the procurement.
Other countries are also involved in a deal with the manufacturer. The missiles must be delivered between 2027 and 2033.
Illustrative photo of a Patriot PAC 2 missile launch. Photo from open sources
Meteor air-to-air missiles will reportedly be upgraded, allowing them to remain in service until the 2040s.
Possible modifications of the radar homing head, motor, data channel, and warhead, with the cost of EUR34.9 million, are currently being analyzed. Research is due to start next year, with reports on adaptation options set to be ready in 2025. Five other European countries are participating in the project.
Militarnyi recently reported that Germany ordered another 68 thousand shells for Ukraine.