The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) is confronting a spiraling crisis within its airborne troops, triggered by a series of investigations into right-wing extremism and instances of sexual misconduct, according to reports in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). The situation, mirroring past scandals surrounding the elite Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK), has prompted a sweeping review of the entire Luftlandetruppe (airborne troops) and raises critical questions about leadership, values and institutional culture within the military.
Investigations, spanning several months and involving military prosecutors, disciplinary lawyers and the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD), are currently focused on the Fallschirmjägerregiment 26 in Zweibrücken. Dozens of personnel are implicated in over 200 separate incidents, the nature of which echoes those that led to a fundamental overhaul of the KSK four years ago. The Army leadership and General Inspector Carsten Breuer have been drawn into the affair, with a report from Field Army Commander Lieutenant General Harald Gante expected within days.
Gante, in a frank assessment published by the FAZ, described the conditions revealed in Zweibrücken as “unacceptable”. He attributed the problems to a toxic combination of poor leadership, a flawed understanding of military values and a reportedly misogynistic regimental culture. Speaking to the FAZ, Gante stated that while inadequate leadership is not technically a criminal offense, it will not be tolerated. “When we realized what was happening in Zweibrücken, we were speechless-both regarding the events themselves and the manner in which they had been handled” he commented. He further stressed the importance of a values-driven military, distinguishing the Bundeswehr from forces like those employed by Russia, where professional combat proficiency appears to supersede ethical considerations. “It’s not enough to be a professional fighter” Gante emphasized. “As military superiors, we must educate our personnel. Sometimes that fails and then the consequences must be drawn, including separation.
Initial reports of the misconduct surfaced through channels to the Bundestag’s Military Ombudsman, ultimately prompting regional media coverage and the abrupt replacement of the regiment’s previous commander in early October. Bundestag Military Ombudsman Henning Otte cautioned against precipitous judgments, warning that such incidents erode public trust in the armed forces and challenge the fundamental tenets of Germany’s democratic state. He stressed the need for thorough investigation while avoiding blanket accusations.
The unfolding crisis represents a significant challenge to the Bundeswehr’s reputation and demands a comprehensive and difficult reckoning with the underlying systemic issues that allowed such behavior to flourish. The “Action Plan Airborne Troops” currently in preparation is anticipated to outline concrete steps aimed at remediation but also faces the critical task of rebuilding public confidence and ensuring the core values of the military are genuinely upheld.