2024-03-20 17:40:57
The federal government is investing in new air defense systems. It is buying four new Patriot systems for 1.3 billion euros.
The Bundestag has given the green light for the purchase of four Patriot air defense systems for the Bundeswehr. After the Defense Committee, the Budget Committee also gave its approval for the procurement on Wednesday in Berlin, according to the Bundestag. The Air Force had handed over two of its Patriot systems to Ukraine and ultimately only had ten of the systems left.
Video | This is how the Patriot air defense system works
Quelle: Glomex
The Patriot systems are among the most modern in the world. They are used to combat enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. At a distance of around 100 kilometers and up to altitudes of 30 kilometers, the defense missiles can hit targets in an imaginary bell around the position – depending on the guided missile used. The total cost of the four systems is estimated at 1.3 billion euros.
According to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, 80 percent of the 100 billion euro special fund for the Bundeswehr has already been committed. “We are procuring at a speed that has never been seen before,” said the SPD politician during a visit to the “Bundeswehr Special Funds” committee of the German Bundestag. Investments from the special fund of 19.8 billion euros are planned for the current year. However, Pistorius emphasized: “We cannot rest on our laurels, there is still a lot to do.”