German lawmakers on Wednesday approved about 50 billion euros ($59 billion) in military purchases, the government said, as Berlin accelerates a defence spending ramp-up to face the threat posed by Russia.The extensive list of procurement projects ranged from missiles for air defence systems to armoured medical vehicles, satellite systems and new uniforms.
"We are sending a signal to the (NATO) alliance and our partners: Germany is leading the way," the defence ministry said in a statement.
"We are fulfilling our obligations to the alliance and accepting our responsibility for security and peace in Europe."
After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany dropped a long-standing pacifist tradition and started ramping up spending to overhaul its long underfunded armed forces.
Faced with growing worries about the US commitment to Europe's security, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took office in May, has moved to exempt defence spending from strict debt rules to accelerate the build-up.
