Germany is considering buying such a defense system from Israel or the United States.
(Photo: dpa)
Berlin According to Bundeswehr Inspector General Eberhard Zorn, Germany is considering buying a missile defense system from the United States or Israel. It is about protection against Russian missiles, which are in Kaliningrad, for example, he told the “Welt am Sonntag”. “They can reach almost all destinations in Western Europe and there is no defense shield. The Israelis and the Americans have the systems in place.”
You now have to answer the questions of which system you prefer and whether you can manage to set up an overall system in NATO. But one thing is clear: “We have neither the time nor the money to develop this system ourselves. Because the missile threat is already there and known.”
In Ukraine, Zorn fears an increase in guerrilla warfare should talks between Russia and Ukraine not lead to a ceasefire. “It could be extremely brutal and bloody for the civilian population, as we are already seeing in Mariupol.”
Zorn assumes that the special fund of 100 billion euros planned by the federal government will flow entirely into the equipment of the Bundeswehr. “It is clear to me: This special fund is used exclusively to equip the Bundeswehr. It is not intended for any staff allowances or for the implementation of an extended security concept. It is very good for Germany’s ability to defend itself that planning security will finally prevail,” said Zorn.
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The Bundeswehr needs a so-called cold start capability again, i.e. large units that can be deployed quickly. The first division should be ready in 2025, two years earlier than previously planned. “We assume that in 2025 we will be able to provide NATO with a completely modernized division with around 15,000 women and men – trained, equipped and thus fully operational,” said Zorn. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) had already announced this.
There is still no complete list of armaments that should be bought, the general said. Last week he explained system connections to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD): “Why do we need something? Based on what threat analysis?” The Chancellery needs this context in order to be able to classify it politically. Only after this overall view does one come to the individual projects, in which the priorities from the coalition agreement are also taken into account.
More: Expansion of civil protection: How Germany wants to protect itself from war and disasters