The German Bundeswehr wants to buy another 300 Patriot anti-aircraft missiles from the US – says Reuter agency, citing information from government circles in Berlin. Expenditure is expected to be EUR 1.5 billion. Norway is ready to co-finance the acquisition of nearly EUR 200 million.
Norway will pay
The order will partially service to replenish stocks after the transportation of Ukraine's missiles. The agreement is to be finalised in the next 4 years. The missiles will be utilized with the full Patriot system, which together with the radars proved effective in combating Russian rocket attacks in Ukraine.
Norway has already agreed to co-financing the acquisition of the full Patriot system. European partners point to Norway's peculiar commitment, as the country indirectly "uses" in conflict with Russia. As a consequence of the suspension of Russian gas supply, the prices of this natural material peculiarly increased from 2022 to 2023, which Norway benefited as a gas exporter.
Drones from Israel
According to Reuter's agency's information, the fleet of Bundeswehr drones is besides to be reinforced by 2028 – through 3 Israeli drones "Heron" for about €600 million. A drone with a scope of 350 kilometres can be utilized for reconnaissance, but it can besides be armed.
According to representatives of the German government coalition, it is besides planned to acquisition 24 tiny mobile medical stations that will be specially protected and can besides be deployed close the front line. They consist of trucks and containers. The full value is around EUR 400 million. This equipment is to be purchased from the German maker Rheinmetall.
The budget committee of the German Bundestag is expected to approve all 3 projects this week, according to Reuter. The German Ministry of Defence has not yet commented on the acquisition plans.
