Reference News Network, July 31 report - According to the German news television channel website on July 30, internal sources indicate that the German Ministry of Defense plans to spend hundreds of billions of euros to purchase fighter jets, armored transport vehicles, and infantry fighting vehicles. Two sources familiar with the plan said that it includes 20 of the latest European fighter jets for electronic warfare, worth 4 to 5 billion euros. In addition, it is expected to procure 2,000 to 3,000 "Boxer" armored transport vehicles, which could cost up to around 10 billion euros, manufactured jointly by KNDS defense systems company and Rheinmetall company.

Germany also plans to purchase up to 3,500 "Patton" infantry fighting vehicles, which could cost about 7 billion euros. According to insiders, the Ministry of Defense expects the "Boxer" and "Patton" to be delivered within 10 years.

Due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Germany has decided to accelerate its military buildup. It is expected that by 2026, Germany's conventional defense budget will reach about 83 billion euros, an increase of about 20 billion euros from 2025.

The European fighter jet capable of performing electronic warfare missions is equipped with special technology that can interfere with and destroy enemy air defense capabilities. These aircraft also have the most advanced self-protection systems, which can quickly respond to threats using artificial intelligence.

The "Boxer" armored transport vehicle is mainly used to safely transport troops to mission locations. This eight-wheeled armored vehicle has a modular design and can be modified into different types of vehicles, such as ambulances, command vehicles, or transport vehicles. It is also mine-proof and has strong off-road mobility.

"Patton" was originally a Finnish infantry fighting vehicle. In Germany, they will be produced jointly by KNDS company and Friesland vehicle manufacturing company. This six-wheeled infantry fighting vehicle also has multiple uses and is mainly used to support infantry.

Insiders said that the German Ministry of Defense is also advancing the plan to purchase additional infrared imaging follow-on missile systems and will procure hundreds of "Air Cavalry" air defense systems to perform anti-drone tasks, but the exact numbers are still unclear.

According to Reuters on July 29, these procurement projects are an important part of Chancellor Merkel's plan to build the strongest conventional army in Europe, aiming to reduce dependence on increasingly unpredictable ally the United States, and take greater responsibility for European security.

Earlier this year, Merkel successfully secured parliamentary support to exempt defense spending from the debt ceiling limit set by the German constitution, thereby providing financial guarantees for her government's military reform plan.

Sources also said that the German Ministry of Defense is advancing the plan to purchase IRIS-T air defense systems and hundreds of "Air Cavalry" drone defense platforms, but the funding details for these procurement plans have not yet been finalized. (Translated by Zhong Sirui Wu Mei)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7533065284027744803/

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