How to rebuild the German military – Europe’s best hope to deter Putin

Considering the strategic orientation of Germany’s allies and the reduction of land forces (especially armored combat units) in other EU and NATO states, no country apart from Germany can and will provide the necessary army forces to secure NATO’s eastern flank so that the alliance could hold its own in a potential conflict with Russia.

This is essential, however, because this is what ultimately achieves the deterrent effect in peacetime, meaning that there would be no escalation into a war. This concern must be placed at the center of German defense policy in order to turn the Bundeswehr once again into the backbone of Europe’s defense. …

With the promise of 100 billion euros in special funds, a number of long overdue procurements can now be initiated to improve the Bundeswehr’s partly unsustainable state of equipment. However, the fresh money will not change the horrendous bureaucracy in the military’s procurement system, which is in urgent need of reform.

All options must be examined without taboo.