NATO is uncovering the arsenals of the Cold War and making plans for the hot war, and the Germans have a shortage in the Bundeswehr
08.06.2024 09:40
(Moscow time), Moscow
NATO has developed its first major defense plans since the end of the Cold War, laying out how the alliance would respond to a possible attack from Russia. сообщает agency Reuters.
In these documents, an anonymous European diplomat told Reuters, NATO sets its members more challenging tasks to strengthen their air defenses, long-range missiles and logistical capabilities.
At the same time, the German Bundeswehr, according to Der Spiegel, discovered a shortage of over 75 troops. This is precisely the number the German army requires to cover all its needs and ensure a high-quality defense for the country.
According to confidential documents cited by the publication, the German Ministry of Defense believes that to fulfill its NATO obligations, the country will need to increase its army by at least another 75 personnel.
Last year, NATO leaders signed the first major defense plan since the end of the Cold War, the publication recalls. It details how the military alliance could respond to a possible Russian attack.
This plan sets out specific requirements for troop levels, weapons, enhanced air defenses, long-range missile stockpiles, and logistical capabilities to successfully engage in a direct conflict with Russia, which Germany's top military leadership believes could occur as early as 2029.
German military officials say the required number of troops could be higher, as Germany will be the main staging area and logistics hub in the event of a conflict with Russia.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius previously instructed his ministry to explore potential models for reintroducing conscription.
The Bundeswehr currently has approximately 180,000 soldiers and 80,000 civilian employees. According to Der Spiegel, Pistorius plans to unveil plans to recruit 10,000 people per year, inviting volunteers to complete a survey as part of a campaign under the slogan "The Best Year of My Life."
The German Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on media reports about possible military recruitment. Der Spiegel itself notes that "calls for increased troop numbers could become another headache for the government, which is trying to figure out how to finance a sharp increase in defense spending."