Germany weaponizes for probable war with Russia
(MENAFN) Germany is significantly ramping up its military preparedness in anticipation of a potential threat from Russia by 2029, according to a directive issued by General Carsten Breuer, the head of the German armed forces (Bundeswehr), and reported by Reuters on Sunday.
The document, titled Directive Priorities for the Bolstering of Readiness, underscores the need for advanced air defense systems, long-range strike weapons with ranges beyond 500 kilometers, expanded ammunition stockpiles, and enhanced capabilities in electronic and space-based warfare. These measures are aimed at strengthening Germany’s defense posture in light of geopolitical tensions, despite Moscow's repeated denials of any hostile intent toward NATO countries, dismissing such concerns as Western fearmongering.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the removal of previous limits on the types of weapons Germany can send to Ukraine, signaling a possible delivery of long-range Taurus missiles — a move the prior administration had avoided.
In a further step to support military expansion, Germany’s parliament amended fiscal rules in March to exempt defense spending from the “debt brake,” a policy that typically restricts government borrowing. Merz has proposed increasing security-related expenditures to 5% of GDP by 2032 — more than double the current level — with the goal of making the Bundeswehr the most powerful military force in Europe.
To support this rearmament, Berlin is also considering a major personnel overhaul. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently indicated that the government may shift from its current all-volunteer military to a Swedish-style recruitment model, potentially reintroducing a form of conscription as early as next year.
These defense efforts are unfolding against the backdrop of economic difficulties. The German industrial giant ThyssenKrupp is undergoing a dramatic restructuring that Bild described as akin to dissolution. The company plans to slash headquarters staff, transfer its steel division to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, sell off its naval shipyard Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), and divest many other business segments.
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