The Bundeswehr is procuring four new Patriot systems and conversion kits for the Patriot radars worth almost 1.4 billion euros. The Bundestag Budget Committee approved the procurement during its meeting on 20 March 2024. The funds will come proportionately from the Bundeswehr’s special assets and the regular defence budget. Around half of the funding will come from the funds earmarked in the federal budget for upgrading partner countries. This pot is available because the Bundeswehr has handed over two Patriot systems from its inventory to Ukraine. The four new systems should be fully available to the Bundeswehr in 2029.
The equipment of the Bundeswehr with new Patriot systems has already been contractually agreed. On 22 March, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) concluded a contract. The beneficiary is the US company RTX.”This contract reflects the global importance of advanced air and missile defence capabilities and the unwavering confidence in Patriot,” said Tom Laliberty, President of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon.The Bundeswehr has been using Patriot systems since 1989.The system provides protection against aircraft and missiles with a range of up to 1,000 kilometres.Each of the fire units consists of a command post, the launchers for firing the PATRIOT missiles, radar equipment and other material. In addition to other support services, the contract also includes the associated spare parts.
The Bundeswehr is committed to using the systems until at least 2030. It was only in December that the Budget Committee approved the procurement of 500 guided missiles with spare parts for the air defence missile system.
Framework agreement for headsets
In addition to investing in the Patriot system, the Bundeswehr is also concluding a framework contract for headsets with hearing protection.The budget committee has already approved the procurement of 30,000 units worth 81 million euros.These systems are to be delivered this year.Further call-offs are to be submitted to the Budget Committee shortly.The new devices are superior to the existing equipment.They allow close-range communication even without a connected radio while protecting hearing at the same time.