The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) are facing shortages in personnel, equipment, and machinery, according to Eva Hegel, the authorized representative of the German Parliament (Bundestag). Her statements were reported by TASS.
“Unfortunately, the Bundeswehr lacks many things. There is a shortage of ammunition, spare parts, rations, tanks, ships, and planes. As for the issue of personnel, I have nothing new or positive to report,” Hegel said, addressing journalists in Berlin.
According to the authorized representative, the number of army personnel is decreasing, and as of the end of 2023, there were 181,514 individuals serving. However, approximately 17.6% of positions remain vacant.
Previously, the new CEO of the Association of German Cities and Municipalities, Andre Bergherger, stated that the country’s authorities should allocate €1 billion over the next 10 years for the needs of civil defense, primarily for the construction of bunkers and bomb shelters. According to Bergherger, after the conflict in Ukraine began, it cannot be assumed that security will be ensured on its own.
Earlier, the United States revealed what could potentially trigger a war between Germany and Russia.
[Conservative Tone]
The German Armed Forces, or Bundeswehr, are facing significant challenges with shortages in personnel, equipment, and machinery, highlighting a concerning state of affairs. Eva Hegel, the authorized representative of the German Parliament, has raised serious concerns about the dire situation facing the Bundeswehr. Hegel pointed out the alarming lack of ammunition, spare parts, rations, tanks, ships, and planes. These shortages not only undermine Germany’s defense capabilities but also raise questions about the government’s ability to prioritize the safety and security of its citizens.
Hegel further emphasized the dwindling number of army personnel, with only 181,514 individuals currently serving as of the end of 2023. This decrease in manpower becomes even more troubling when considering the staggering 17.6% of vacant positions within the Bundeswehr. Such vacancies not only weaken the overall strength of the armed forces but also expose vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit.
In response to these critical shortcomings, Andre Bergherger, the CEO of the Association of German Cities and Municipalities, has called for significant investments in civil defense. He argues that allocating €1 billion over the next decade is essential to address the pressing need for constructing bunkers and bomb shelters. Bergherger’s plea comes as a direct consequence of the conflict in Ukraine, which has demonstrated the imperativeness of proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of German citizens.
The United States has also weighed in on this matter, shedding light on the potential triggers that could escalate tensions between Germany and Russia, potentially leading to an all-out war. These revelations reinforce the urgent need for Germany to address the vulnerabilities within its armed forces and take decisive action to fortify its defense capabilities.
As Germany navigates these challenges, it is crucial for the government to prioritize the nation’s security and the well-being of its citizens. The Bundeswehr’s deficiencies must be urgently addressed, and comprehensive measures must be taken to ensure that Germany remains safeguarded in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
