Germany should become pillar of collective defense in Europe, - Pistorius
In the conditions of the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine, Germany is beginning to understand that it must be a support for deterring aggression in Europe. And the Bundeswehr is rethinking its role.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breyer wrote about this in an article for the Tagesspiegel newspaper, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.
"War has returned to Europe. Germany and its allies are once again forced to confront a military threat. The international order is under attack in Europe and around the world. We are going through a turning point," the publication says.
It is noted that this fundamentally changes the role of Germany and the Bundeswehr. Today, Germany bears responsibility as the most populous and economically strong country in Europe. Therefore, the article emphasizes, it should be a pillar of deterrence and collective defense in Europe,
"Our population, as well as our partners, expect us to take on this responsibility," the authors write. For this, they note, leadership, defense capability, and a realistic view of geopolitical challenges are needed.
The Bundeswehr is ready for war, its leaders assure. In particular, an important signal of strength and deterrence is that starting next year, for the first time in history, a combat brigade numbering 5,000 soldiers will be stationed in Lithuania on a permanent basis.
As emphasized, the war in Europe, as well as the Hamas attack on Israel, confirm the need for a quick and effective contribution to the international settlement of crises.
"It follows from all this that the Bundeswehr must be combat-ready. Only then can it be a reliable deterrent. This means sufficient personnel, better equipment, and structures that meet the new challenges," Pistorius and Breyer point out.
They also emphasize the need to attract new partners to cooperation based on a realistic, pragmatic approach, but always with a "clear compass" of interests and values. This applies, in particular, to the countries of the Indo-Pacific region, as well as Africa.
