Preparing for War: Germany Plans to Rebuild Bomb Shelter Network

By Jacob Boren • November 26, 2024

Germany is proposing to greatly expand its bomb shelter network amid fears of war with Russia, reported the Guardian on November 25.

Germany has started work on A nation-wide network of air raid shelters for civilians.

Basements of public buildings, underground car parks and subway stations will be given dual-use functions.

Germany had such a network during the Cold War but it was dismantled in 2007 pic.twitter.com/R00FgEIK0X
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 26, 2024

Trend reversal: During World War ii and the Cold War, Germany had about 2,000 protective bunkers for its citizens. In 2007, they were deemed unnecessary and that number has been drastically reduced to 579 bunkers that can house 480,000 of the 84.4 million German citizens—a move the nation is now walking back on.

Part of the plan to expand this bunker network is to convert various public and private facilities such as metro stations, car parks and basements into shelters. The Interior Ministry plans to develop a digital directory of these bunkers, with a map showing users where the closest available shelter is. Citizens are also being encouraged to convert their own basements and garages into shelters.

GERMANY PLANS TO EXPAND CIVILIAN SHELTERS OVER SECURITY CONCERNS

Germany is developing a proposal to increase civilian shelters by converting basements, underground car parks, and subway stations.

A dedicated app may guide citizens to the nearest bunker, the interior… pic.twitter.com/3VoSaZ4gIX
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 25, 2024

Some are calling for a rapid development of new bunkers to shelter up to 5,000 people.

Even though we hope that this situation doesn’t arise, we must be prepared to protect the public in the event of an emergency. We need to significantly increase the capacity in Germany.
—Andrea Lindholz, official of the Christian Democratic Union

Lindholz pointed to Poland as an example, which will soon require all newly constructed buildings to have bomb shelters.

Fear of Russia: Germany has been one of the most vocal European states warning against the threat of Russia. In October, German intelligence chiefs reportedly said Russia could have the capability of attacking nato by 2030.

Russian President Vladimir Putin certainly isn’t attempting to quell these fears. Just last week, he stated that the Ukraine war was escalating toward a global conflict and that Russia had no qualms about striking the West for its backing of Ukraine.

The Ukraine war is causing major tensions on the world scene, and nations like Germany are preparing for the worst. This deepening fear of Russian belligerence is prompting Europe to make some serious changes.

Learn more: Read Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry’s article “Russia’s War on Ukraine Is Reshaping Europe.”