The German government has approved the draft federal budget for 2025, which includes an increase in defense spending and a significant enhancement of support for Ukraine. In addition to the main budget indicators for 2026, the document contains a financial plan through 2029. According to this draft, the country’s defense budget will rise to 2.4% of GDP this year, while public debt will increase to €81.8 billion in 2025 compared to €33.3 billion in the previous year.
This is reported by Business • Media
Significant Funding for Military Support to Ukraine
The budget for 2025 allocates €8.3 billion specifically for military assistance to Ukraine. Overall, the government plans to direct €11.3 billion to support the Ukrainian state. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil emphasized that Germany will focus investments on defense and security in response to the threat from the Russian Federation. By 2029, the state intends to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, which is part of new commitments within NATO.
Support for the Production of Ukrainian Strike Drones
Additionally, the German government has decided to finance the production of Ukrainian combat drones An-196, allocating over €100 million for this purpose. This funding will enable Ukraine to produce several hundred strike UAVs An-196, capable of flying with combat payloads over distances exceeding 2,000 kilometers.
“Germany will invest in defense and security in response to the threat from the Russian Federation. By 2029, Germany plans to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP – this is part of new commitments within NATO.”