Germany In Talks With Multiple Defense Manufacturers for $18B National Missile Defense Shield

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Germany recently ranked first among European countries that are causing tensions with Russia after it started pressing Washington and NATO allies for tanks to be sent to Ukraine last month. Germany, being acutely aware of its precarious situation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and its need to dramatically increase defense spending and protect itself against Russian attacks, is currently in a race for $18 billion for a national missile defense shield. 

It should be noted that less than a year ago, Germany’s military was struggling to meet its commitment to NATO and had an entire battalion of Puma tanks fail drills and be deemed unfit for action in the NATO Rapid Reaction Force (NRF). It is well-known that the German military lacks resources and funds. Now, it’s giving away the handful of operational tanks it does have to Ukraine. The German military should be helping Kyiv before it helps Kyiv.

As part of Germany’s recent about-face regarding its defense spending, the country is now in talks with multiple defense manufacturers to have a multi-layered, anti-missile shield built that could cost as much as €17 billion ($18.5 billion).

Specifically, the government is negotiating a contract with Bavarian-based manufacturer Diehl Defence to purchase up to 8 IRS-T anti-missile systems for a cost of €2 billion to €3 billion. The 8 IRST anti-missile system is expected to only be one layer in a larger multi-layered system. One IRS-T battery can intercept fighter jets, inbound missiles, drones, and can fire missiles over 40km.

Germany also provided Kyiv the 4 first IRS-T air defense system it received in October. This was in keeping with its promise to Ukraine to supply the systems that would protect its cities against drone attacks. It should be noted, however, that Germany doesn’t currently have any IRS-T system.

Berlin is now realizing that its military is woefully inept. While Chancellor Olaf Scholz is doing everything possible to increase defense spending and build up Germany’s military, it comes as concern is mounting that Russia’s war in Ukraine could spread both West and deeper into Europe. Germany’s last-minute effort to build its military up before it gets dragged into a conflict with Russia is a classic example of too little, too late.