The German Budget Committee has given its approval for several major procurement and development projects, amounting to over 4.4 billion euros. These projects are aimed at enhancing the nation’s security, communication, and technological infrastructure. The most substantial allocation, approximately 4 billion euros, has been designated for the procurement of the ARROW air defense system, including the advanced ARROW 3 guided missile, spare parts, and comprehensive training packages. This strategic investment from the Bundeswehr’s Special Funds is a testament to Germany’s commitment to maintaining cutting-edge air defense capabilities. Additionally, approximately 162 million euros from the Bundeswehr’s special funds have been allocated for the procurement and development of state-of-the-art cryptophones designed for encrypted communication. These devices align with the stringent security requirements and will bolster secure communication channels. The budget will also cover the acquisition of receiver cards, ensuring robust land- and sea-based satellite navigation, as well as cryptographic and radio devices integrated into the microwave radio systems of the PATRIOT weapon system.
The Budget Committee’s decision further allocates over 52 million euros for the procurement and integration of underwater drones designed for maritime reconnaissance, a critical addition to the country’s defense toolkit. Furthermore, investments have been approved for the purchase of radio equipment capable of seamless integration across different branches of the armed forces, with a total budget commitment exceeding 130 million euros. In addition to these developments, the Committee has also greenlit the reorder of anti-tank directional mines, with an order volume exceeding 67 million euros, to bolster ground-based defenses. These decisions by the Budget Committee not only reinforce Germany’s defense capabilities but also serve as the foundation for the allocation of funds from both the regular defense budget (section 14) and the Bundeswehr’s special funds.
One of the key highlights of this investment is the procurement of the Arrow 3, also known as Hetz 3. The Arrow 3 is a high-velocity, exoatmospheric hypersonic anti-ballistic missile, jointly funded, developed, and produced by Israel and the United States. With its capacity for exo-atmospheric interception of ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) carrying various types of warheads, it represents a significant advancement in defense technology. The missile’s flight range of up to 2,400 km, along with its exceptional divert motor capability, makes it a formidable addition to Germany’s defense arsenal. Moreover, it’s worth noting that the Arrow 3 missile can potentially serve as an anti-satellite weapon, positioning Germany among the few countries capable of destroying satellites. Its unique two-stage interceptor design, propelled by a thrust-vectoring rocket motor, provides unmatched agility and reliability, reducing the need for complex detection and tracking systems.
The Arrow 3’s capability to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes exceeding 100 km and over greater ranges is a testament to its versatility and adaptability. It can also be deployed from ships, enhancing its applicability in various defense scenarios. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the Arrow 3 boasts a potentially reduced 30-year life-cycle cost and shares the same launch system as the Arrow 2. With an estimated cost of $2-3 million per unit and a program cost of $700-$800 million over three years, this investment is set to provide long-term value for Germany’s defense infrastructure. The approval of these projects by the German Budget Committee reflects the nation’s commitment to maintaining robust defense capabilities and staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the field of national security. These investments are poised to enhance the country’s ability to protect its interests and maintain a strong defense posture in an ever-evolving global security landscape.
