Reuters reported on Germany's plans to purchase a large batch of military equipment

Germany is preparing several multibillion-dollar orders for military equipment and plans to increase the military budget by more than €20 billion. This was reported by the Reuters news agency on July 30, citing sources.

"The purchases are part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's efforts to create Europe's most powerful conventional army in order to reduce dependence on an increasingly unpredictable ally, the United States, and assume greater responsibility for European security," the publication notes.

As specified by "Gazeta.Ru", Berlin wants to purchase 20 Eurofighter fighters, about 3,500 Patria infantry fighting vehicles and 3,000 Boxer armored personnel carriers. The German Defense Ministry also intends to strengthen air defense and purchase the IRIS-T and SkyRanger complexes.

According to the agency, Merz has already secured the support of deputies on the issue of a significant increase in defense spending. They are expected to reach €83 billion in 2026.

Make Germany great again: Merz decided to turn the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe

The German Chancellor plans to return the introduction of universal military service, although it is not provided for by the coalition agreement.

Bloomberg reported on July 28 that Germany's defense budget could double (to €162 billion) over the next four years, as Germany seeks to rearm on a large scale and meet NATO targets to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP. According to the newspaper, €9 billion out of €162 billion will be spent annually on supporting Ukraine.

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