Latest news with #CarstenBreuer
Russia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Germany arming for possible conflict with Russia
The German military must significantly increase its weapons stockpile by 2029, the year the current government anticipates a potential threat from Russia, according to a directive issued by the country's defense chief, obtained by Reuters. The order, titled 'Directive Priorities for the Bolstering of Readiness', was signed on May 19 by Carsten Breuer, the inspector general of the Bundeswehr, the news agency reported on Sunday. Moscow has denied that it has any aggressive intentions toward NATO countries, dismissing Western speculation of a possible attack as fearmongering aimed at justifying extensive militarization by the bloc's European members. Breuer's order emphasizes the procurement of advanced air defense systems and long-range precision strike capabilities effective at ranges exceeding 500km. He has also reportedly directed the military to increase the stockpiling of various types of ammunition and to develop new capacities in electronic warfare, as well as space-based systems for both defensive and offensive missions. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday that his government has lifted restrictions on the range of weapons it can supply to Ukraine to fight Russia. The news is perceived as a hint at the possible delivery of long-range Taurus missiles, which the previous government refused to donate. In March, the German parliament amended the nation's law to exempt military spending from the 'debt brake', a measure that limits government borrowing. Merz has proposed allocating up to 5% of the nation's GDP to security-related projects by 2032, a significant increase from the current level of around 2%. He claimed that this expenditure would transform the Bundeswehr into Europe's most formidable military force. The rearmament plans necessitate a corresponding increase in personnel. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius indicated in a recent interview that the ruling coalition aims to introduce a recruitment model similar to Sweden's, potentially ending the current volunteer-only system as early as next year. The military initiatives come amid economic challenges, including de-industrialization and stagnation. On Sunday, the newspaper Bild said that ThyssenKrupp, a company with over two centuries of history, is undergoing a significant restructuring amounting to dissolution. According to the report, the company plans to reduce its headquarters staff from 500 to 100, transfer its steel mills to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, sell its naval shipyard Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in the public market, and divest most other divisions.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Germany's chief of defence orders urgent rearmament due to threat of Russian attack
Carsten Breuer, Germany's Chief of Defence, has issued a directive mandating the full rearmament of the Bundeswehr with modern weapons and equipment by 2029. The document emphasises the urgent need to expand both Germany's defensive and offensive capabilities in response to the threat of a Russian attack on NATO territory. Source: Reuters, citing a document obtained by the agency Details: Breuer and other senior NATO officials estimate that by 2029, Russia may have rebuilt its military forces to a level capable of launching an attack on NATO territory. The directive sets out Breuer's priorities as to which weapons systems must be procured or produced first. Reuters' sources say NATO has demanded that Germany strengthen its air defence at least fourfold – from long-range systems such as Patriot to short-range systems. Another key objective is enhancing the army's ability to carry out high-precision strikes against targets more than 500 kilometres deep into enemy territory. Breuer also ordered increased ammunition stockpiles and raised the minimum reserve levels for all types of weapons. Quote: "Other priorities listed in the document are the swift expansion of Germany's capabilities in electronic warfare and the establishment of a resilient system of 'offensive and defensive capabilities' in space." More details: In mid-May, Commander-in Chief of the German Army Alfons Mais stated that Russia's large-scale social and industrial mobilisation indicated its military was rapidly gaining firepower. "By 2029 at the latest, Russian forces will be capable of large-scale aggression using conventional weapons against NATO territory. But they may begin testing us much earlier," he said. Background: Recently, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Germany may reinstate mandatory military service if the revamped voluntary recruitment system fails to meet its goals. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also recently declared that the Bundeswehr would receive as much funding as it needs to become Europe's strongest army. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Germany sets 2029 deadline to fully arm military amid fears of Russian threat, Reuters reports
Germany's Chief of Defense, Carsten Breuer, has issued a directive ordering the German military to be fully equipped with weapons and materials by 2029, citing concerns that Russia could be capable of attacking NATO territory by then. The internal document seen by Reuters, titled "Directive Priorities for the Bolstering of Readiness" and signed on May 19, outlines a detailed roadmap to prepare Germany's armed forces over the next five years. The directive reflects shared assessments by Breuer and NATO officials that Russia may have rebuilt its military enough to pose a direct threat to the alliance's borders. Funding for the plan will come from the loosening of Germany's "debt brake" in March, which allows additional defense spending. The document sets acquisition priorities that align with NATO's recommendations. Chief among them is strengthening Germany's air defenses, with particular emphasis on countering drones. NATO is expected to ask Berlin to at least quadruple its air defense systems, ranging from long-range platforms such as the Patriot to short-range interceptors. In addition to bolstering aerial defenses, the directive calls for capabilities to conduct deep precision strikes against targets more than 500 kilometers away. Breuer also emphasized the urgency of replenishing Germany's ammunition stockpiles and increasing stockpiling targets across all ammunition types. Other key areas for development include enhancing electronic warfare systems and building a robust set of both offensive and defensive capabilities in space. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
German chief of defence orders swift expansion of warfare capabilities
Germany's Chief of Defence, Carsten Breuer, has ordered the German military to be fully equipped with weapons and other material by 2029, a document seen by Reuters on Sunday shows. By 2029, Russia may have reconstituted its forces sufficiently to attack NATO territory, according to estimates by Breuer and other senior military officials at NATO. The document entitled "Directive Priorities for the Bolstering of Readiness", which Breuer signed on May 19, said Germany will meet the goal with the help of funds made available by the loosening of the country's debt brake in March. The defence ministry in Berlin did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In the directive, Breuer sets priorities for the weapons that should be acquired or developed most urgently, reflecting in part priorities NATO has previously laid out. Among them, Breuer lists the strengthening of Germany's depleted air defences, in particular with a view to intercepting drones. Last year, sources told Reuters that NATO will request Berlin to at least quadruple its air defences, ranging from systems with a longer range, such as the Patriot, to short-range systems. Another priority is a capability to launch deep precision strikes, according to the document, effectively hitting targets at a distance of more than 500 kilometres (310 miles) and far behind enemy lines. In addition to pushing for Germany's ammunition stocks to be replenished, Breuer also orders Germany to raise its stockpiling targets for all types of ammunition. Other priorities listed in the document are the swift expansion of Germany's capabilities in electronic warfare and the establishment of a resilient system of "offensive and defensive capabilities" in space.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
German chief of defence orders swift expansion of warfare capabilities
By Sabine Siebold BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany's Chief of Defence, Carsten Breuer, has ordered the German military to be fully equipped with weapons and other material by 2029, a document seen by Reuters on Sunday shows. By 2029, Russia may have reconstituted its forces sufficiently to attack NATO territory, according to estimates by Breuer and other senior military officials at NATO. The latest document, entitled "Directive Priorities for the Bolstering of Readiness", which Breuer signed on May 19, said Germany will meet the goal with the help of funds made available by the loosening of the country's debt brake in March. The defence ministry in Berlin did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In the directive, Breuer sets priorities for the weapons that should be acquired or developed most urgently, reflecting in part priorities NATO has previously laid out. Among them, Breuer lists the strengthening of Germany's depleted air defences, in particular with a view to intercepting drones. Last year, sources told Reuters that NATO will request Berlin to at least quadruple its air defences, ranging from systems with a longer range, such as the Patriot, to short-range systems. Another priority is a capability to launch deep precision strikes, according to the document, effectively hitting targets at a distance of more than 500 kilometres (310 miles) and far behind enemy lines. In addition to pushing for Germany's ammunition stocks to be replenished, Breuer also orders Germany to raise its stockpiling targets for all types of ammunition. Other priorities listed in the document are the swift expansion of Germany's capabilities in electronic warfare and the establishment of a resilient system of "offensive and defensive capabilities" in space. In a speech in mid-May, Army Chief Alfons Mais said a large-scale social and industrial mobilisation meant Russian forces were rapidly gaining firepower. "From 2029, at the latest, the Russian forces will be capable of a conventional aggression against NATO territory on a large scale," he said. "But they can start testing us much sooner."
