Ankara: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Wednesday defended a record 2027 military budget of about £140 billion ($163 billion), telling parliament the spending was a 'security promise' amid growing uncertainty in the international arena and rising threats from Russia.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pistorius addressed the parliament's budget debate, dismissing opposition criticism that the increased budget should instead be allocated to schools, hospitals, and infrastructure upgrades. He emphasized that a robust German armed forces and a united NATO are crucial for protecting national achievements and the way of life. 'Without security, nothing else matters,' he stated.

Pistorius highlighted the significant rearmament efforts by Russia, claiming that Moscow allocates half of its overall budget to military expenditures, focusing on replenishing stockpiles for future conflicts rather than deploying resources to the front lines in Ukraine. 'We are literally in Moscow's crosshairs,' Pistorius warned lawmakers, noting that Russia's efforts to spy on, influence, intimidate, and destabilize societies have intensified, aiming to sow uncertainty among the population.

The Merz government's 2027 budget plan positions defense as the second-largest federal budget item. The Defense Ministry's regular budget is set to rise to £109.75 billion ($128 billion) in 2027, marking a 32.7% increase from this year, representing the largest growth among major spending areas. With additional funding from the German military special fund, the ministry's total budget for next year approaches £140 billion ($163 billion).