A major overhaul of Germany’s military is underway, with a significant focus on air defense and long-range precision strikes, according to a concept paper by General Inspector Carsten Breuer. The plan, reported by Politico, prioritizes the strengthening of defenses against aerial threats, including the development of an integrated air defense system, short- and medium-range air defense and air surveillance.
The concept paper highlights the need for the Bundeswehr to counter the threat of swarms of flying drones, with a focus on the development of capabilities to detect and destroy such threats. Additionally, the plan calls for the establishment of the ability to conduct “Deep Precision Strikes” a term that refers to the use of long-range precision-guided munitions with a range of over 500 kilometers, exceeding the capabilities of the existing Taurus cruise missiles, which are currently being modernized.
The Bundeswehr will also increase its stockpile of ammunition and acquire combat drones, with a greater emphasis on alliance defense, including the acquisition of long-range artillery, expanded engineering capabilities and improved logistical sustainment.
The plan is a response to the recent amendment to the German constitution, which allows for unlimited increases in defense spending. The General Inspector sees this as a necessary step in ensuring the Bundeswehr is adequately equipped, reliable and continuously supplied. The aim is to have the military ready for combat by 2029, a year in which NATO experts believe a Russian attack on the alliance’s territory is a possibility.