Germany Doubles Military Spending, But Can’t Rearm Overnight
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has cast a spotlight on deficiencies in German preparedness.
A Bundeswehr Leopard 2 heavy tank, top, Puma combat vehicle, and Boxer medical transporter.
Photographer: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Three decades ago, the German military boasted about 500,000 soldiers, more than 2,000 battle tanks, and almost 1,000 fighter jets—respectable numbers to fulfill its defensive obligations should the Cold War suddenly turn hot.
With the fall of the Soviet Union and the opening of the Iron Curtain, Germany started cutting back on its defense outlays, abolishing conscription, slashing equipment, and recalibrating its troops for a new type of mission: quick interventions abroad deploying nimble special forces. In the new world order, trade, diplomacy, and economic aid could underpin security, while tanks, warplanes, and frigates were costly anachronisms.