Germany wants to spearhead NATO from January 1st. But the military commissioner, Eva Högl, complained about major deficiencies in the equipment. The Bundeswehr is less well equipped than before the Ukraine war.
The military commissioner of the German Bundestag, Eva Högl (SPD), confirmed that the Bundeswehr had significant equipment shortages a few days before taking over the leadership of the NATO Rapid Reaction Force. For full operational readiness, there is a lack of “personal equipment such as helmets, backpacks, protective vests and small and large equipment – from radios, ammunition to tanks,” said Högl of the “Rheinische Post” and the Bonn “General-Anzeiger” (Friday editions). “The Bundeswehr has too little of almost everything.”
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Germany has recognized the need to “equip our soldiers better and improve their general conditions in order to restore full operational readiness,” said the SPD politician, referring to the 100 billion euro special fund for modernization the Bundeswehr.
“However, we now have a worse material situation than before February 24, because a lot has been given to support Ukraine, but nothing has yet been replaced.” The problems with the Puma infantry fighting vehicle had also shown how fragile the situation with large equipment was. On January 1, 2023, the Bundeswehr will assume leadership of the spearhead of the NATO Rapid Reaction Force.
