In a decisive statement on Wednesday, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the urgent need for Germany to bolster its armed forces, the Bundeswehr, to achieve full operational readiness before the decade’s end. His comments come amid rising concerns over European security following Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking during a session in the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament, Pistorius stressed the necessity for preparedness. “We must be ready for war by 2029,” he declared, underscoring the importance of deterrence to prevent potential conflicts. Pistorius highlighted that achieving this goal hinges on securing adequate finances, materials, and personnel.
“In an emergency, we need strong young women and men who can defend this country,” he said, advocating for a new form of military service. He noted that this service model “cannot be completely free of obligations,” reflecting his belief in the essential role of conscription in national defense.
Pistorius, affiliated with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democrats, has tasked his ministry with exploring various models for reintroducing military conscription. Germany had suspended compulsory military service in 2011. Recent surveys, such as one conducted by research institute Forsa in March, indicate that about half of German citizens support its reinstatement.
New Military and Civil Defense Concept
Pistorius’ remarks coincided with the German Cabinet’s approval of a revised concept document for military and civil defense. This comprehensive guideline outlines the responsibilities of the Bundeswehr, aid organizations, and civil defense authorities in disaster and wartime scenarios. The updated document, replacing the 1989 predecessor, addresses modern threats, including cyber threats and hybrid warfare.
Chancellor Scholz Advocates for Defense Industry Cooperation
On the same day, Chancellor Olaf Scholz underscored the importance of a robust defense industry during the International Aerospace Exhibition in Berlin. He emphasized the need for European and German defense industries to maintain a continuous production of all major weapon types and necessary ammunition.
“Today, we see more clearly than ever how important it is to have a European and German defense industry that can continuously produce all major types of weapons and the necessary ammunition,” Scholz stated, acknowledging past shortcomings. He announced Germany’s intention to purchase 20 additional Eurofighter jets from Airbus, reinforcing the nation’s defensive capabilities.
This announcement follows the Defense Ministry’s earlier decision to acquire two more frigates, supplementing the four already ordered, as a significant component of Berlin’s “Zeitenwende” or “sea change” in defense policy. In response to Russia’s aggression, Germany has also stationed troops in Lithuania on NATO’s eastern flank, with plans for a permanent brigade by 2027.
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