The Chief Inspector of the German Armed Forces, Karsten Breuer, announced a new plan according to which the country’s army should be fully equipped with modern weapons and necessary material resources by 2029. This directive, signed on May 19, outlines the priorities that need to be implemented as soon as possible.
The document, titled “Priority Areas for Enhancing Combat Readiness,” states that Germany will be able to achieve the set goals thanks to financial opportunities arising from the reduction of debt obligations in March of this year.
The plan calls for urgent procurement and development of armaments, partially aligned with NATO recommendations. One of the key aspects is strengthening air defense, particularly to counter drones.
According to information obtained from sources, NATO insists that Germany increase its air defense capabilities at least fourfold, including both long-range systems such as Patriot and short-range systems.
Another important task is developing capabilities to deliver precise strikes at distances over 500 kilometers, allowing targets deep within enemy territory to be hit. Breuer also ordered an increase in the number of storage facilities for replenished ammunition reserves.
According to Breuer and other NATO military experts, by 2029 Russia may restore its military forces to a level sufficient to attack Alliance countries. In October 2024, the head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), Bruno Kahl, stated that Russia could attack NATO member territories within the next six years.
Kahl emphasized that the Kremlin views the West, particularly Germany, as an “enemy,” since the country is the second largest supporter of Ukraine. This increases the likelihood that NATO will invoke its mutual defense clause at some point.