Why German Tanks Are So Expensive: Strategic Gaps and Industrial Realities
Germany’s defense buildup, prompted by the Zeitenwende and reinforced by NATO commitments, has brought military procurement back to the center of policy debate. With Europe’s strategic environment shifting rapidly, the need for modernized equipment has become urgent. However, questions are mounting over the costs and efficiency of Germany’s rearmament program. In particular, the extraordinarily high price tags associated with German-made systems, such as the Leopard 2 A8 tank and the PzH 2000 howitzer, are drawing scrutiny. While Germany is committing significant resources to strengthening the Bundeswehr, structural issues in production scale, cost structure, and industrial policy raise doubts about sustainability. As defense budgets across Europe expand, Germany’s choices may well shape the future of European force projection.
