Report zeigt: Deutsche Armee schrumpft und altert
An annual report examining the state of the Bundeswehr highlighted that it suffers from a shortage of resources according to Berlin’s commissioner for the armed forces.
The aging and decreasing nature of Germany’s military was emphasized by Berlin’s parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, amid discussions about a significant increase in defense spending following a recent election.
In the annual report released on Tuesday, Defense Commissioner Eva Högl pointed out that despite a recruitment surge due to the conflict in Ukraine, personnel numbers in the Bundeswehr decreased from 181,540 in 2023 to 181,200 in 2024.
“We must urgently reverse this trend,” Högl stressed, highlighting the aging personnel in the Bundeswehr.
The report also highlighted the poor condition of the Bundeswehr’s equipment, weapons, and infrastructure, with some barracks still in a disastrous state.
Despite the 100 billion euro special fund approved by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz to bolster defense capabilities after the events in Ukraine, the report indicated that the German military still lacks essential resources for modern conflict.
The report urged the need to update infantry fighting vehicles, naval combat ships, missile defense systems, combat drones, weapons systems, and ammunition.
Speaking at a press conference, Högl summarized the situation by stating: “The Bundeswehr still lacks essential resources.”
The report also raised concerns about the slow progress in visible improvements despite the allocated special fund, with around 82 percent of the fund already utilized.
To ensure the successful completion of vital projects initiated with the special fund, the report concluded that an increase in the regular defense budget is crucial.
Although Germany reached the NATO defense spending target of 2 percent of GDP for the first time since the early 1990s last year, sustaining and enhancing this spending will necessitate further legislative measures.
Proposed plans to increase state borrowing for defense and infrastructure face resistance in parliament, with the Green party opposing the move.
Aiming to strengthen European defense capabilities, EU leaders have endorsed plans to spend more on defense and reiterated support for Ukraine in the wake of recent events.
Furthermore, European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of purchasing European-manufactured arms to boost the region’s defense industry.
Overall, the report sheds light on the challenges facing the German military and the efforts needed to ensure its readiness for modern conflicts.
