Germany vows faster military buildup over 'Russian threat'

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Saturday that Berlin will intensify efforts to strengthen military deterrence capabilities and accelerate defense spending in response to what he called the ongoing security threat posed by Russia.

Procurement push

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of German Armed Forces Day in the southern town of Neubiberg, Pistorius stated that the government is forced to increase military expenditure due to the security environment. “We’re speeding up the procurement process because that’s what really matters,” he said. The soldiers tasked with ensuring that the Bundeswehr is a deterrent and who must defend the country if things get serious deserve the best equipment and training, he added.

NATO's central role

Pistorius stressed that Germany aims to play a central role in NATO’s military capabilities alongside other European partners. He told journalists that the government is working to ensure funds are spent effectively, efficiently, and quickly so the Bundeswehr can develop its full deterrent capability. As NATO’s largest partner in Europe, Berlin must play a central role alongside others when it comes to the alliance’s defense capabilities, he added.

2039 strategy

The defense minister announced in April that Germany’s new military strategy aims to make it Europe’s strongest conventional army by 2039 as part of efforts to deter Russia. At a news conference in Berlin, he said the Bundeswehr had adopted its first comprehensive military strategy to identify potential threat scenarios and improve readiness in the coming years. Pistorius stated the force is increasing active-duty soldiers, reservists, and civilian employees to reach at least 460,000 combat-ready personnel.