Germany | Defence projects at risk due to underfunding, according to Reuters

Defence Redefined

Published on 11/05/2021 at 12:44

Major German defence projects with a total value of several billion euros are at risk of being scrapped as the necessary budget has not been secured yet by the German Ministry of Defence, according to a confidential paper by the Defence Ministry in Berlin.

The document, dated last Friday 07/05, according to Reuters, lists several projects whose funds are not yet guaranteed.

Among them are various multinational cooperation projects, such as the development of a joint fighter jet with the French Airbus SE and Dassault Aviation SA, Europe’s largest defence project with an estimated total volume of some € 100 billion ($ 122 billion).

Other affected projects, according to Reuters, include a joint main battle tank with France and developing joint submarines with Norway.

The planned purchase of Boeing P-8A maritime patrol aircraft is also reported as not yet funded.

“The funding problems result particularly from the sharp decline of funds starting after 2022, as foreseen in the federal budget planning decision,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

All affected projects were scheduled to be presented to parliament’s budget committee by the end of June in order to be approved before Germany’s federal elections in September.

Source: Reuters / Photo: Janes

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