Germany

[kato]

RCH 155 howitzers (preparation of serial production)

Framework contract for up to 500 RCH155 with a fixed order of four for testing and first batch of 80 being ordered. Currently stated Bundeswehr requirement is for 229 units. There are rumours that the framework contract is larger to facilitate ordering from it on other countries' behalf.

Puma 2nd batch, modification of contract (rumours: more)

Puma 2nd batch is being expanded from a previous 50 vehicles to 250, bringing the total fleet to 600.

Like every time with Puma, the budget committee only passed the financing with caveats - the MoD is being "called upon" to report how they will address certain shortcomings identified by others; in addition the MoD has to report annually on availability numbers, operational service costs and progress in upgrades agreed to.

"expansion of Electronic Warfare segment"

Apparently this is for the ongoing F123B frigate upgrade programme, and they just cut off the title ;-)
Since pretty much the same was already signed off in Summer 2024 this might now be a modification that kicks Elbit off the upgrade again.

 

[Big_Zucchini]

Arrow 3 gets a $3.1 billion boost, bringing the total to $6.7 billion.
The contract includes accelerated manufacturing of Arrow 3.
Arrow 4 and 5 funding likely somewhere between the two contracts.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2001322509543546973

 

[kato]

provision of uniforms and personal equipment.

Project FASER (the German word for "fiber" and here an abbreviation for "field equipment soldiers and expanded reserve") with a budget of 21 billion Euro has been approved under legal constraints by the budget committee.

The project entails

1. switching all field uniforms to Multitarn camouflage pattern (meaning exchanging the entire stock)
2. modernizing stocks of other equipment components (backpacks etc) as well as non-camouflage clothing (e.g. sports dress)
3. equipping 255,000 active soldiers (planned number) with new uniforms, personal equipment, ballistic protection
4. equipping 205,000 reservists (planned number, mobilization reserve) with new uniforms, personal equipment, ballistic protection
5. equipping 80,000 civilian employees with ballistic protection (helmet, vest)
6. accomodating expected required shortened issueing cycles due to introduction of conscription

FASER will run for 9 years (2025 to 2034) and is effectively continuous procurement from a set-aside budget.

The budget committee placed the (fairly major) caveat list that:

• the Bundeswehr has to provide consolidated growth plans for both active and reserve forces and prove that equipment numbers requested are both based on these and adapted to their progress; procurement as part of FASER may only be exercised if based on such personnel growth plans
• the Bundeswehr has to tender out procurement as part of FASER, with non-tender procurement only allowed with both explanations as to the reasons, and very tight documentation of these.
• the Bundeswehr has to re-evaluate its depot and (clothing) regeneration facilities and has to increase these when needed in time
• the Bundeswehr has to provide (effectively) its business plan for FASER by April 1st 2026 and from there on shall report to the budget committee annually on the progress of the project (with detail numbers).