The escalating geopolitical tensions are prompting a stark warning from within Germany’s arms industry, as missile manufacturer MBDA calls for a significant shift in the nation’s strategic stockpiling of critical materials. Thomas Gottschild, CEO of MBDA, emphasized in an interview with the Tagesspiegel that current reliance on global supply chains for weapons production constitutes a vulnerability that demands immediate remediation.
Gottschild’s commentary highlights a critical gap in Germany’s preparedness, particularly in the context of a potential large-scale conflict. He projects a scenario requiring a twenty-fold increase in explosives and ammunition, coupled with severely disrupted supply lines – a stark contrast to the present system relying on continuous international procurement. “We are not adequately prepared for this” he stated bluntly.
The issue was reportedly raised during a recent arms industry summit involving Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) and Economics Minister Katarina Reiche (CDU). Both ministers reportedly pledged to address the problem, although concerns remain regarding the specifics of their planned actions and the timeline for implementation.
The call from MBDA underscores a broader debate surrounding Germany’s defense posture and its increasing commitment to bolstering military capabilities. Critics argue that while government rhetoric prioritizes strategic autonomy and resilience, concrete action on securing vital resources has been insufficient, leaving the nation exposed to potential supply chain disruptions. The promise to act, while welcomed, will be heavily scrutinized in the coming months to ensure it translates into tangible security improvements and a demonstrable reduction in Germany’s reliance on external suppliers for its defense industrial base. The extent of the pledged action and its potential impact on the nation’s defense strategy remain key points of observation.