Germany to Boost Naval Spending Under $4.3 Billion Warship Plan
- Defense ministry cites changing ‘security policy developments’
- Three defense groups bid to build multipurpose combat ship
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Germany plans to spend an extra 525 million euros ($572 million) to boost the capabilities of a new class of combat ships that symbolize the country’s readiness to take on greater global responsibility and defend shipping lanes.
The changes will improve weapons capabilities and crew protection of the planned MKS 180 multipurpose combat vessels, Deputy Defense Minister Markus Gruebel said in a letter to lawmakers on Tuesday obtained by Bloomberg News. Germany plans to order an initial four ships at a previously estimated price tag of 1 billion euros each, with delivery to begin in 2023.