I love these threads, they bring out both drone bots, americans who are suddenly not happy with the fact Europe's "pulling their own weight", not to mention the general derailment. It just shows how afraid some people are.
As for why the Germans need all this equipment, my guess would be a mix of general replacement of it as well as deterrence. Plus, it's a chance to bail out the German automakers (VAG has already shown interest in retooling some of their factories).