A NATO aligned intelligence estimate warns Russia could develop invasion capabilities by 2029. Germany’s army chief demands faster rearmament and interim systems to close urgent gaps.

In light of rising assessments among allies, Germany must be prepared for a possible Russian attack on the country – a NATO member state – by 2029 or even earlier if Moscow accelerates its buildup sooner than expected.

During an interview with Politico, Lieutenant General Christian Froeding, the commander of the Bundeswehr’s Army, stressed the need not only for rapid modernization of existing units but also for strengthening defensive capabilities more broadly.

“We must be ready… We must be prepared to fight.”

– Christian Froeding

According to Froeding, there is a common understanding among allies: Russia could strike NATO territory before the current decade ends.

“2029 is not a German time frame. It is an intelligence assessment agreed within NATO,” the general said.

In one interview, he also stressed that all 32 NATO partners have agreed: Russia could have the capability to invade a NATO member country in 2029.

“All 32 NATO partners agree that Russia may have the capability to invade a NATO member country in 2029.”

– Christian Froeding

Nevertheless, Froeding noted that Moscow may act earlier than expected, even amid significant losses in its war against Ukraine, and urged accelerating the Bundeswehr’s rearmament and expanding defensive capabilities.

“Speed is of the essence,” the head of the Army stressed.

According to him, Germany cannot rely solely on long-term weapons programs whose implementation could take years. For some systems still under development, interim solutions are needed to bridge the gap between the current level of combat readiness and the requirements for battlefield operations.

According to Latvia’s Chief of Defence Kaspars Pudans, Russia has gained significant experience in employing drones during the war, which gives it an advantage over some NATO countries and could use a “window of opportunity” until the end of 2028 to attack the Baltic states.

A Look at NATO’s Actions and Readiness

In light of such assessments, Berlin underscores the need to accelerate the modernization of defense potential and adapt to changes in the military landscape to support readiness to act daily and since yesterday evening.

Experts also note the need to combine rapid tactical decisions with long-term arms programs, ensuring a stable level of combat readiness and strengthening the regional balance in Europe. Regional security requires constant coordination between NATO and partner countries, with emphasis on the speed of decision-making and readiness to respond to threats.

In terms of further steps, Germany continues to strengthen defense and increase funding for upgrading military systems and infrastructure, so the army can operate promptly in response to changing threats.