Defense contractor unable to safeguard Berlin anymore
Anxieties about protecting German terrain are unjustified - despite potential threats from Russia. Defense collective KNDS considers the readiness of Germany's defense forces considerably weakened, and condemns Defense Minister Pistorius.
The head of KNDS defense conglomerate fails to perceive the present German administration enhancing the nation's defense forces. In contrast, he finds no reversal of trends. "The bulk of our orders in 2023 weren't from Germany, but from other NATO nations," Frank Haun stated to the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung."
Haun further pointed out: "We maintain about 300 combat-ready tanks in Germany. Thus, I often say: Augsburg we can still defend, Munich and Berlin, however, not anymore."
Defending Augsburg, Munich, or Berlin on land is unlikely - particularly if Ukraine effectively wards off the Russian incursion. Nonetheless, Russia has previously posed threats against Germany. Military analysts like Carlo Masala pose that, in the event of a Russian military triumph in Ukraine, Putin's subsequent target might be one or more Baltic states, as he suggested towards the end of last year in an interview with the Funke media group. This might trigger NATO intervention, thereby involving Germany as well. The German military is positioned in Lithuania.
"I'm hoping for more from Berlin"
For the Bundeswehr to be better equipped, more funding is required, according to the KNDS CEO. Politics must prioritize. "What has he done so far to bolster the Bundeswehr?", Haun questioned Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. "He is replacing old Tornados with F-35 aircraft to ensure nuclear collaboration. He is purchasing helicopters as the old CH-53s need to retire. He signs a framework contract with us for 123 Leopard tanks but orders only 18, which equals the number Germany has supplied to Ukraine," said the KNDS CEO. He made it clear: "I'm hoping for more from Berlin."
Regarding ongoing supply problems, the KNDS CEO criticized the German government. "There's a lot of chit-chat, but the raw material strategy isn't really taking shape at the political level," Haun stated. "Internally within our organization, raw material procurement occurs in Germany. No one in Berlin has a number to call for assistance."
In the case of tank steel, where KNDS currently only has a Swedish supplier, Haun personally revealed the obstacles to Berlin. "This was observed, but no action has been taken," reported the KNDS CEO.
Defense firms such as KNDS or also competitor Rheinmetall have seen a substantial rise in orders since the Russian invasion started and are amassing billions. On one hand, plenty of material is being sent to Ukraine, while on the other, many allies are seeking to update their stockpiles and modernize their forces.
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The German Armed Forces have faced criticisms for their weakened readiness, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius being a subject of condemnation. This comes amidst ongoing Wars and conflicts, such as the Russian threat against Ukraine.
Despite the German military's presence in Lithuania, Boris Pistorius has been questioned for not doing enough to bolster the Bundeswehr, with Frank Haun, the KNDS CEO, expressing his hope for more support from Berlin.
