The Spanish Ministry of Defense proposes to spend more than 6.5 billion euros on programs for the purchase and modernization of military equipment in 2023.

This was reported by European Pravda with reference to local media.

This amounts to 26.3% or 2.67 billion euros more than previously planned.

The bill, which provides for an increase in defense spending, stipulates that investments in the modernization of the armed forces are “an important tool for strengthening the defense industry and technology base as a driver of economic growth and employment.”

More than 70% of the total defense budget or 4.9 billion euros will be spent on weapons modernization programs.

In particular, this applies to F-110 frigates, S-80 submarines, armored vehicles, reconnaissance aircraft and anti-tank missiles, and missile launchers.

Spain plans to allocate more than 488 million euros for the construction of five new frigates of the F-110 project (Bonifaz), which should replace the outdated frigates of the Santa Maria class. After all, they have been in service for more than 30 years.

Moreover, Eurofighter Typhoon fighters worth almost 620 million euros will be upgraded, as well as the planned purchase of four new S-80 submarines.

It is worth recalling that in April 2021, celebrations were held at the Navantia shipyard on the occasion of the completion of the construction of the main submarine of the S-80 series.

Another 1.6 billion euros (against 708.2 million in 2022, that is, 126% more) will be allocated to finance programs for the development of military technologies and production facilities.

The total budget of the Spanish Ministry of Defense in 2023 is estimated at more than 12 billion euros.

Spain has provided Ukraine with 300 tons of military cargo, armored vehicles and other weapons. The Ukrainian military is undergoing training on the use of the Aspide anti-aircraft missile system.