German Defense Minister Rudolf Scharping reports that the German defense budget of 46.86 billion Marks ($22.5 billion) will not meet the needs of the Armed Forces. While he has asked the Bundestag for more money, the government is fiercely trying to cut spending and reduce the national debt, so that is an uphill fight Scharping probably will not win. He is also planning to cut 500 million Marks ($240 million) from various accounts by delaying purchases and deferring maintenance on buildings.--Stephen V Cole