German Politician Proposes 10B Euro Boost to Defence Budget
German politician Högl has proposed a significant boost to the defence budget, calling for an additional 10 billion euros on top of the existing 100 billion euro defence fund. This move aligns with Rheinmetall's growth expectations, driven by rising Western defence budgets. Meanwhile, India, facing complex geopolitical tensions, has allocated Rs 6.81 lakh crore (USD 78.7 billion) for its defence budget in 2025-26.
Högl's proposal seeks to meet modern military needs and ensure national security. Expanding the defence budget can reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance domestic manufacturing. Experts argue that a more substantial investment, targeting a USD 100 billion defence budget, is essential to address emerging threats and modernize armed forces effectively.
India, ranked fifth globally in military spending in 2024 with USD 86.1 billion, has seen a 9.5 percent increase from the previous year. However, only Rs 1.8 lakh crore of India's defence budget is allocated for modernization and procurement. To maintain a technological edge and counter regional challenges effectively, increased capital expenditure is crucial.
Högl's proposal for a defence budget increase could significantly bolster Germany's military capabilities and domestic industry. Meanwhile, India's defence budget, while substantial, needs to prioritize modernization and procurement to address regional threats effectively.
