Germany’s top military officer has issued a stark warning regarding the pace of strengthening the country’s armed forces, tempering cautious optimism with an acknowledgement of persistent and significant shortcomings. Generaloberst Christian Freuding, Inspector General of the German Army, cautioned in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that while the army professes readiness for immediate combat – a state he characterized as “fight tonight” – substantial deficiencies remain, both in personnel and equipment.
Freuding emphasized the urgent need to elevate the army’s combat readiness, stressing that “every day counts” and that a delay is no longer an option. He underscored a fundamental shift in thinking, moving beyond mere survival in conflict to the ability to proactively “prevail” and “win”. He conceded that achieving this capability requires considerable further development.
The General’s assessment of the recently declared operational readiness of the 10th Panzerdivision, a key NATO asset, was particularly critical. While acknowledging its status, Freuding explicitly admitted “deficiencies in the area of air defense”. He expressed personal reservations about the current supply chain, questioning the adequacy of delivery rates and timelines.
Regarding the ability of Germany to effectively counter large drone swarms in the event of a Russian attack, Freuding stated that it is technically possible, but raised serious questions about the efficiency of current methods. He flagged potential constraints on long-term resilience should existing countermeasures necessitate the deployment of resources that would ultimately strain Germany’s enduring capabilities.
Freuding’s observations on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, characterized as a war of attrition, were equally sobering. He stipulated that Ukraine’s ultimate success hinges on “endurance” a factor inextricably linked to continued, substantial military and financial support from Germany and its international partners. The General’s comments implicitly highlight a growing tension: the declared operational readiness of German forces is predicated on continued external support and the potential for further strain on German defensive capabilities without significant improvements to equipment and personnel. The implicit message is one of cautious preparedness, highlighting a critical need for accelerated reform and sustained international collaboration to address burgeoning threats.