Naval Missiles, Precision-Guided Bombs and Increased Digitisation
The Bundestag budget committee has authorised investments for all three armed services totalling some €2.1 billion, the MoD in Berlin announced on 10 September. New missiles for the navy, precision-guided bombs for the air force and digitisation of the Bundeswehr – particularly the military health service – is to be strengthened.
By far the largest investment (€1.6 billion) is aimed at increasing digitisation across the Bundeswehr by commissioning IT services company BWI for the period 2021-2027. In the air domain, the Luftwaffe can now order almost 2,300 guidance systems and fuzes for the 230kg GBU-54 precision-guided bomb, as well as 910 bombs, for a total of €213 million. Providing half the explosive force of the GBU-48, the bomb allows for more precision in targeting when launched from the Eurofighter TYPHOON platform, and greater control over terminal effect.
The German Navy is to receive new supplies of the Saab/Diehl RBS15 surface-to-surface missile to arm the BRAUNSCHWEIG-class corvettes. Up to 160 missiles may now be ordered, of which 75 have already been contracted for. The financial commitment is for €285 million in total, of which approx. €160 million is accounted for by the units now on contract. A further €6 million is earmarked for the required IT components and test systems. (Note that MON reported this contract on 11 September under a Saab headline).