Despite 100 billion special assets – why the expansion of the Bundeswehr is not progressing

Berlin In the defense industry, resentment of the federal government is great. After the Ukraine war broke out in February, politicians at Rheinmetall, Airbus and other companies called for proposals for a rapid rearmament of the Bundeswehr. “Meetings were convened ad hoc, delivery lists requested – nothing came of it,” said the CEO of a larger manufacturer. On the contrary: So far, only US companies have been firmly promised orders. “We Germans get nothing.” However, another manager warns that it is not that simple. “Every side, including industry, contributes to the misery.”

In any case, one thing is certain: there is currently not much to see of the promised equipment offensive. Because a lot of material, such as howitzers and ammunition, was handed over to the Ukraine, the German armed forces are today even more “bare” than at the beginning of the war. After the United States and Great Britain, Germany is one of the largest arms suppliers to the Ukrainian military. The depots have not been replenished since then.