Germany is spending billions to modernize and expand its Bundeswehr, with the Army playing a central role its chief warns it may face conflict before it’s fully ready. Follow DW for more.
Attack on German could hit at a less than optimal time, army chief warns
Germany’s army chief says his troops may not have enough time to prepare for an imminent attack, despite making “great progress” toward combat readiness.
Lieutenant General Alfons Mais told dpa that while the military is making strides in equipping troops, he is concerned about whether soldiers have the right mindset to defend Germany’s values adequately.
“We must be aware that if the alarm goes off, it could hit us in a suboptimal state or at a less than optimal time,” Mais said. “The commanders need to prepare mentally for this.”
The army forms part of Germany’s military or Bundeswehr.
Mais, who is retiring in September, believes new recruits should look up to the examples set by former Bundeswehr soldiers who have received the military’s Cross of Honor for bravery.
“I believe that our soldiers all know what to expect. And we see that. In conversations with the young people, I see that they have become much more serious,” Mais said. “Someone who signs up for the Bundeswehr today knows there is war in Europe.”
Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to make the Bundeswehr the strongest military in Europe, which will require better equipment and more personnel than the current 183,000 soldiers. To comply with NATO guidelines, the Bundeswehr needs to add another 60,000 people.
Welcome back to our coverage on Sunday
We’re picking things up today with a look at the Bundeswehr and, more specifically, the German Army.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to make it the strongest Army in Europe, and while the chief says “great progress” is being made, he warned it is not quite ready.
Merz and his Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt might face some tough questions about that and other issues this afternoon as the German government hosts an open day, or more like an open weekend, in Berlin.
We will cover that and other developments in Germany in this blog throughout the day.
Source : https://www.dw.com/en/germany-updates-army-improving-risks-remain-warns-chief/live-73728000
