Additional funds in the budget for her department in the coming year make Federal Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht satisfied. In addition to aircraft, armed drones are also to be procured. However, Lambrecht sees little room for maneuver with regard to arms deliveries to Ukraine.
Federal Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht sees the re-equipment of the Bundeswehr, which has been weakened by years of austerity measures, on the right track. In the debate in the Bundestag about the budget for 2023, she referred to numerous procurement projects that had already been launched in the past few months. “We intend to make this Bundeswehr strong,” emphasized the minister.
Lambrecht referred to additional funds in the regular budget as well as the Bundeswehr special fund of 100 billion euros. This is “exactly what we need to close the gaps that have arisen through years of savings in the Bundeswehr”. The armed forces could now acquire the weapons that would be needed for national and alliance defense.
“Now it has to be quick when it comes to implementation,” emphasized Lambrecht. 65 procurement projects have already been identified and 41 of them have been budgeted for. Specifically, the minister mentioned the purchase of new F-35 fighter jets to replace the older Tornado fighter jets and the Chinook heavy transport helicopters. The first machines could be delivered here in 2026. In addition, the troops could “feel safer by arming drones,” said Lambrecht. This plan had long encountered considerable reservations in the SPD. The minister also referred to the German initiative for a joint European air defense system.
Lambrecht promised further German help to the Ukraine for its defense against the Russian war of aggression. “We will not stop supporting Ukraine,” she said. However, Germany is now reaching its limits when it comes to handing over material from the Bundeswehr stocks, since the national and alliance defense should not be endangered. Lambrecht also avoided specifically announcing new arms deliveries. She also reiterated that all measures must continue to be coordinated with the allies first. There should be “no German solo efforts” here.
