Translated material
The Germany is preparing a major army reform to "be ready for war"
The German government is preparing a cardinal reform of the Bundeswehr. The concept of reorganization of the army was developed by the design group of the Ministry of Defense of Germany.
The newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung writes that extensive reform is planned due to "new challenges". Due to the growing threat from Russia, the Bundeswehr must be “capable of war” in the defense of Germany and the territory of NATO from the attack. This is stated in the 34-page document, which is at the disposal of the publication.
As part of the restructuring, the number of well -trained personnel should be increased and modern material purchased. In addition, along with the Ground Forces, the Air Force and Navy, it is planned to create the fourth unit in the field of reflection of cyber attacks, threats from space and hybrid attacks.
It is also proposed to introduce the combined operational headquarters of the command, eliminating the division into headquarters for internal response and operations abroad. To conduct possible hostilities, it is planned to improve logistics and sanitary support. In order to improve coordination, the former medical service and the logistics service will be combined in one team structure.
The problem of the Bundeswehr is the lack of the military. Currently, 181 thousand soldiers and officers are serving. However, experts consider the planned increase in the number of military to 203 thousand to 203 thousand until 2031 to be insufficient to repel a possible attack. The number of reserve warriors also lacks. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius offers, following the example of Sweden, to introduce an audit of all girls and boys for the suitability for military service.
The project also notes the problem of financing the Bundeswehr. A special amount of 100 billion euros, allocated after the start of the full -scale war of Russia in Ukraine, can be spent faster than planned. There are concerns that already in 2025 there will be not enough funds to achieve the minimum level of defense spending of 2% of GDP. This amount is required for all NATO members. Currently, the defense budget of Germany is 50 billion euros. According to the Ministry of Defense, in 2024 the two percent level will be achieved. In 2025, the Bundeswehr may lack 4.5 to 6 billion euros. Along with other expenses of Germany, it is necessary to finance a brigade of five thousand soldiers in Lithuania, deployed to protect the eastern flank of NATO.
Representatives of the coalition government emphasize that in view of the unstable situation due to the war of Russia against Ukraine to increase financing the Bundeswehr, it is necessary in any case. However, the planning has not yet been completed. The reform draft will be considered in early April.