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German Army Ordered to Reach Full Combat Readiness by 2029 Amid Rising Russian Threat

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
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German Army Ordered to Reach Full Combat Readiness by 2029 Amid Rising Russian Threat
An honorary formation has lined up for the first roll call and pledge of the Bundeswehr's Home Guard Regiment 5 in the courtyard of Ehrenstein Castle. (Source: Getty Images)

Germany’s top military official has ordered the Bundeswehr to be fully equipped with weapons and materiel by 2029, according to a directive seen by Reuters on May 25.

The document, titled “Directive Priorities for the Bolstering of Readiness” and signed by Inspector General of the Bundeswehr General Carsten Breuer on May 19, outlines how Germany plans to achieve full operational capability using funds made available after easing its constitutional debt brake in March.

Breuer’s directive sets procurement and development priorities for key weapons systems, partly aligned with NATO’s earlier recommendations. Among the top goals is reinforcing Germany’s weakened air defense, with a particular focus on countering drones.

Another major priority is acquiring long-range precision strike capabilities—defined as the ability to hit targets over 500 kilometers (approximately 311 miles) away and deep behind enemy lines.

In addition to replenishing ammunition stockpiles, the directive orders an increase in target quantities for all types of munitions. Other key areas include rapid expansion of electronic warfare capabilities and the development of resilient offensive and defensive systems in space.

Breuer’s push for rearmament is driven by the perceived threat from Russia, which could rebuild enough of its military power to launch an attack on NATO territory by 2029.

In mid-May, Army Chief Alfons Mais warned that Russia’s rapid increase in firepower—driven by large-scale social and industrial mobilization—was accelerating its military capabilities.

“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.”

Previously, it was reported that Germany will significantly reinforce its tank brigade in Lithuania, expanding the unit from 500 to 5,000 troops by the end of 2027 to bolster NATO’s eastern flank and deter Russia, according Bloomberg on May 22.

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