Germany is set to embark on a massive defense spending spree, vowing to invest ‘whatever it takes’ into the country’s defenses in a bid to modernize its military and address personnel shortages.
Massive Defense Spending: The Future of Germany’s Bundeswehr
A Need for Modernization and Infrastructure Development
Germany has paved the way for massive defense spending, with the center-right and center-left parties seeking to form a new government vowing to invest ‘whatever it takes‘ into the country’s defenses. This could include modernizing the Bundeswehr on a massive scale.
The Current State of the Bundeswehr
The Bundeswehr owns around 1,500 properties across Germany, but many are in a disastrous state. An estimated €67 billion ($72 billion) would be needed to renovate all barracks in the country. The current personnel shortage is one of the German military‘s biggest concerns, with around 182,000 soldiers in its ranks. However, recruitment is clearly a problem, and some new recruits leave the Bundeswehr again within six months.
Outdated Equipment
Some of the Bundeswehr‘s equipment is outdated, having been procured since the end of the Cold War. The air force is currently receiving 35 F-35 fighter jets from US manufacturer Lockheed Martin to replace the outdated Tornado fighter jets from the 1980s, alone costing more than €8 billion.
Digitalization and Cybersecurity
The Bundeswehr is also lagging behind in terms of digitalization and cybersecurity. Many officers still fill out printed forms, and cyber defense urgently needs to be strengthened. Part of the additional billions will therefore flow into digitalization, including AI applications, new data centers, and secure satellite communication.
The Need for Action
There is an urgent need for action in air defense — something the Bundeswehr has severely neglected in the past. A combination of several interception systems, including Patriot and IRIS-T, is to protect Germany from air attacks in the future. However, the equipment has already been delivered, but the Bundeswehr will have to wait years for everything to arrive.
The Bundeswehr is the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, established in 1955.
It is a technologically advanced military with a strong focus on defense and international cooperation.
The Bundeswehr has approximately 180,000 active personnel and operates under the command of the German Ministry of Defense.
Its main tasks include defending German territory, participating in international peacekeeping missions, and providing disaster relief.
The Bundeswehr is also involved in NATO operations and has contributed troops to various UN peacekeeping missions.
The Role of Combat Drones
The Bundeswehr operates a number of different reconnaissance drones. Its five Heron TP drones are the size of small aircraft and can be armed. However, the Bundeswehr lacks combat drones due to a lack of guidelines and regulations for their employment. Drone technology is developing at a rapid pace.
Ammunition Stocks
The Bundeswehr has only a relatively small stock of ammunition. After the end of the Cold War, stocks were reduced and production capacities cut. The German military now wants to stockpile more for itself, ordering artillery ammunition worth around €8.5 billion from the arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.
A New Vision for the Bundeswehr
Presumptive Chancellor Friedrich Merz has decided that now is the moment for Germany to invest in its military on levels not seen since the Cold War. He aims to increase spending and modernize the Bundeswehr, with a focus on quality rather than just quantity. This new vision includes proposals for obligatory military service to increase personnel numbers.
Friedrich Merz is a German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Born on November 11, 1955, in Bonn, Germany, he served as the Chairman of the CDU from 2000 to 2004.
Merz was also the leader of the opposition in the Bundestag, Germany's federal parliament, from 2018 to 2021.
He has been a member of the European Parliament and has held various ministerial positions within the German government.
A Shift in National Psyche
There is also a shift in national psyche towards the Bundeswehr. While Germans are usually image-conscious over their military, particularly given the country’s history, polling suggests many now hold a more positive opinion. A survey conducted by German public broadcaster ARD found 66% of respondents believe it’s right to increase spending on defense and the Bundeswehr.
The Road Ahead
Germany is taking a significant step towards a more secure and prosperous future with its new defense policy. With an estimated €600 billion ($652 billion) over a 10-year period, this move could provide a solid foundation for the country’s military capabilities in the years to come.
