Germany’s defense chief said Russia’s use of unconventional military force to exploit its dominance over former Soviet states will have “far-reaching consequences” as Berlin shifts its security strategy in coming years. Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said Germany must adjust its response to Russia’s “hybrid conduct of war” in Ukraine. She spoke as German military and government officials began drafting a new blueprint of the nation’s geopolitical challenges, to be published in a “white book” next year.
Take your time, Ursula.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic Sentinel notes:
Lithuania had asked to buy several dozen Boxer armored fighting vehicles which are operated by the armed forces of Germany and the Netherlands. According to Die Welt, the German government turned down the request because it didn’t believe it could afford to do away with any Boxers in light of its own plans.
A convenient excuse? Maybe, but then again, perhaps Germany really is Boxer short:
Last month, German defense minister Ursula von der Leyen announced a modernization of the army after the parliamentary ombudsman for Bundeswehr personnel, Hellmut Königshaus, had warned that the forces were stretched to their limits.
Observing Hermann asks if the Lithuanians might like broomsticks instead.
Broomsticks?
The German army has faced a shortage of equipment for years, but the situation has recently become so precarious that some soldiers took matters into their own hands.
On Tuesday, German broadcaster ARD revealed that German soldiers tried to hide the lack of arms by replacing heavy machine guns with broomsticks during a NATO exercise last year. After painting the wooden sticks black, the German soldiers swiftly attached them to the top of armored vehicles, according to a confidential army report which was leaked to ARD.
The awkward revelation on Tuesday came at the worst possible moment for Germany’s defense ministry. The same day, Ukraine’s army was about to suffer a defeat in the town of Debaltseve, putting a renewed focus on the question whether Europe’s NATO allies would be able to manage the crisis militarily – without an American intervention, if necessary.
To make matters worse, the broom-equipped German soldiers belong to a crucial, joint NATO task force and would be the first to be deployed in case of an attack. Opposition politicians have expressed concerns about Germany’s ability to defend itself and other European allies, given that even some of the most elite forces lack basic equipment.
There was a time when the notion of the German army sweeping its way through Europe was rather less literal.
The Washington Post also notes that Germany only spends 1.3 percent of GDP on defense, well below the NATO suggested minimum target of 2 percent and, for that matter, below the European average. Remember that number whenever you hear that Angela Merkel has had harsh words for Putin because he certainly does.