The Bundeswehr's Challenge: Modernizing for Combat Power by 2029
Military Equipment Procurement Faces Intense Obstacles, Says Federal Association - German Federal Army Association Issues Harsh Test for Military Forces
The Bundeswehr is gearing up for a major modernization push, aiming to rapidise the acquisition of combat capabilities by 2029. Here's what you need to know:
On the Frontline
The most pressing matters lie in air defense and land forces. The colonel in charge points to these areas as having the largest gaps, expressing doubts about the long-term success of a voluntary model.
In the Skies
The Bundeswehr's plans include the acquisition of advanced air defense systems, like the F-35 jets (with 35 units by 2030), and Taurus Neo missiles (600 units) for air-to-ground capabilities. Details on specific systems like SAMs or SHORADs remain scant in recent reports.
On the Ground
The recently announced plan is to boost the tank fleet with 105 new Leopard 2 tanks by 2030, enhancing armored capabilities. This is part of a broader strategy to improve NATO interoperability and European defense integration.
Behind the Scenes
Modernization comes with its own set of challenges:
- Infrastructure and Logistics: The Bundeswehr faces a backlog of around 8,000 properties in need of renovation or replacement for operational readiness. Plans are underway to speed up these projects, aiming for a 10-20% increase in annual project volume.
- Time Pressure: Amidst geopolitical tensions with Russia, the Bundeswehr is under pressure to swiftly meet its modernization targets, with a goal of being ready for potential conflicts by 2029.
- Supply Chain Dependencies: Approximately 80% of the Bundeswehr's equipment is sourced from international firms, creating potential supply chain risks and dependencies.
The Federal Government's Response
To tackle these challenges, the Federal Government has taken several steps:
- Increased Funding: A special defense fund amounting to €100 billion has been dedicated to modernizing the Bundeswehr. This aims to help Germany meet NATO's 2% GDP defense spending target by 2028.
- Streamlined Processes: To speed up modernization efforts, bureaucratic hurdles have been minimized through simplified construction and approval procedures. This enables faster execution of priority projects, like converting the Büchel site for F-35 jets.
- Cooperation and Partnerships: Enhanced cooperation between federal and state agencies, as well as with international partners, is key to achieving these goals efficiently. Germany is also working to establish itself as a logistical hub within NATO, further bolstering its capabilities.
- The Federal Government is emphasizing community policies to address the challenges posed by the Bundeswehr's modernization, particularly in streamlining processes for faster approval of priority projects, such as converting the Büchel site for F-35 jets.
- In the midst of geopolitical tensions and the push for rapid modernization, the Bundeswehr's modernization strategy is moving beyond combat capabilities and into areas like vocational training, with a focus on equipping its personnel with the necessary skills for the future, such as those in air defense and land forces.
