A WorldWatch in the February Trumpet showed how Germany plans to build its military through technology upgrades and strategic changes. Germany’s deepened fear of terror attacks brought about by the Madrid bombings has shifted this process into a higher gear.
In late March, German Defense Minister Peter Struck announced that Germany is planning to spend up to €26 billion (us$31 billion) on new armaments. In addition, he said that Germany would stay faithful to its commitment to purchase 180 Eurofighter jets and 50 a400m aircraft—at a cost of $22 billion and $10 billion respectively. Previously, there had been rumors that Germany might cancel its order because of economic woes within. Yet, the terror attack on 3/11 was the impetus needed to push Germany toward the defense and technology spending increase.
Germany’s response to 3/11 is similar to America’s after 9/11. Because of the heightened European terror threat, the German people are now largely behind these budget increases. Watch for a continual rise in German military readiness, and an overall increase in European security and defense strength.