Despite being technically unusable, approximately two billion euros have already been spent on the German Armed Forces’ stalled digital radio communication project. This figure, according to a confidential letter from the Ministry of Defense to the Bundestag reported by “Welt” indicates that expenditures to date amount to roughly 1.749 billion euros. An additional 299 million euros are slated for support measures, bringing the total sum dispensed, according to the ministry, to the stated amount. Previously, these costs were not public knowledge, and the radio project has been subject to criticism for months.
This funding is part of the large-scale initiative known as the “Digitalization of Land-Based Operations” (D-LBO), which is considered one of the most complicated armament projects for the Bundeswehr. The objective is to digitally connect soldiers, vehicles, and fighting positions, thereby enabling modern combat management. Beyond radio devices, the project encompasses other technologies, such as a European waveform (“Essor”), connection to cellular networks, and various radio systems suited for different types of vehicles.
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann of the FDP, who chairs the Defense Committee in the European Parliament, sharply criticized the handling of resources and structures within the defense sector. She noted that for years, funding had been insufficient, and cumbersome structures, particularly in procurement, had obstructed necessary progress. However, she finds the current situation paradoxically no better. While significant funds are available through the special fund, the outdated organizational structures persist. She stated that this is worse because it appears that the special fund-for which the federal government accrued debt at the expense of younger generations-is now being wasted without effective planning and control.
Strack-Zimmermann concluded by asking, “And the question is pressing, given the security situation we find ourselves in: where actually is the Minister of Defense?”