Germany targets 2029 for full military readiness against Russia
Germany has set a deadline of 2029 for fully arming its military due to concerns about the threat from Russia. By that time, the Kremlin is expected to be ready to rebuild its capabilities and potentially attack NATO countries.
According to Reuters, the head of the German armed forces, General Carsten Breuer, issued a directive mandating the full equipping of the Bundeswehr with weapons and equipment by 2029, citing concerns that Russia might be capable of attacking NATO territory by that time.
The "Directive on Priorities for Enhancing Readiness" document was signed on May 19. It contains a detailed action plan for preparing the German armed forces for the coming years.
The Russian threat and Germany's preparations
The directive reflects a shared assessment by Breuer and NATO officials that Russia could rebuild its armed forces by 2029 to the extent of posing a direct threat to the alliance's borders. Funding for the plan is expected to come from easing Germany's "debt brake" in March, allowing for additional defence spending.
The document outlines procurement priorities in line with NATO recommendations. The most important of these is strengthening German air defence, particularly in countering drones. NATO is expected to demand at least a fourfold increase in the number of air defence systems in Berlin, from long-range platforms such as the Patriot to short-range interceptor systems.
In addition to strengthening air defence, the directive outlines the development of capabilities to conduct precise strikes on targets more than 480 kilometres away. Breuer also emphasized the need to replenish ammunition stocks and increase storage targets for all types.
Other key areas of development include modernizing electronic warfare systems and building robust offensive and defensive capabilities in space.
Will Russia attack NATO?
There has been talk for years about a potential conflict between Russia and NATO. Concerns intensified after Putin invaded Ukraine. However, this war has lasted for more than three years. Despite ongoing peace talks, no progress has been made. Meanwhile, there are reports that Russia may conduct an offensive. A military and security expert, Nico Lange, said in an interview with "Bild" that Putin's forces plan to strike in three places: Sumy, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk.
As long as Russia is unable to break through Ukraine, it is doubtful that it will attack members of the North Atlantic Alliance. However, Russian provocations, such as those in the Baltic Sea, are a clear signal that Moscow's plans to destabilize the international situation extend beyond Ukraine's borders. Central and Eastern European countries must prepare for all possible scenarios.
