What Happened
Berlin Boosts Defense Spending Amid Russia-Ukraine Tensions
Germany is set to spend €1.1 billion on 20 additional H145M helicopters, completing a major rotary-wing modernization effort. The aircraft will be delivered over two years starting in 2027 and are expected to be equipped with the HForce weapon management system. The funding will come from Germany’s €100 billion special defense fund, which was created to accelerate modernization under the Zeitenwende policy. This is the largest H145M order to date, and the additional helicopters will be used for combat and special forces training. The Bundeswehr had previously ordered up to 82 H145Ms, with deliveries beginning in November 2024. The new batch will include 15 helicopters configured for combat missions and five assigned to special forces training. The government estimates that operating and maintaining the full fleet of 82 H145Ms will cost nearly €3 billion through 2048. The acquisition is seen as a key component of Germany’s efforts to boost defense spending in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine.