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The German Bundestag on Wednesday, September 17, approved the 2025 defense budget in its second reading, allocating €62.31 billion for the Ministry of Defense and an additional €24.06 billion to the Special Bundeswehr Fund. This marks the largest defense budget in German history.
The budget received support from the governing coalition factions (CDU/CSU and SPD), while three opposition parties—the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), the Left Party, and the Greens—voted against it.
The approved figure for the Ministry of Defense alone represents an increase of €10.36 billion compared to last year. Combined with the Special Fund, which rises by €4.26 billion to €24.06 billion, the total defense spending for 2025 reaches €86.37 billion, exceeding all previous records. Of the Special Fund, €21.64 billion is earmarked for military procurement.
Breakdown of Key Allocations
- Eurofighter weapons systems: €796.97 million
- Aircraft and other aviation equipment: €363.42 million
- Naval ships and equipment: €142.44 million
- Ammunition purchases: €3.03 billion
- Personnel costs: €17.43 billion
Last year, Germany’s defense budget totaled €52 billion, with an additional €20 billion from the Special Fund.
The approval follows several rounds of parliamentary debates, which were previously delayed due to disagreements over defense expenditures. These disputes contributed to the collapse of the previous government coalition and the subsequent early federal elections.
This historic budget reflects Germany’s commitment to strengthening its armed forces amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe and demonstrates a clear focus on military modernization, procurement, and readiness.
