BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The massive increase in defense spending planned in the federal budget is, according to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), absolutely essential. "Our goal is the fastest possible full equipment of the Bundeswehr and ensuring its endurance," the Defense Minister emphasized during budget deliberations in the Bundestag, citing the current international threat situation: "For us, defense is not an option, but a state responsibility of the highest priority."

According to the federal government's draft budget, the defense budget is set to rise by around 10 billion euros to a total of 62.4 billion euros this year. In addition, 24 billion euros will come from the so-called special fund. The Bundestag will decide on potential changes to these figures in the coming weeks, before the federal budget is adopted after the parliamentary summer recess./ax/DP/men