German General Warns: Russia Could Attack NATO in 2029, Calls for Defense Boost

In an interview with BR24 on March 31, German General Carsten Breuer, the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr , highlighted the growing threat from Russia, urging Germany to strengthen its defense capabilities.

He warned that the current situation is the most perilous in his 40 years of service, pointing to Russia’s ongoing military rearmament and the need for greater German preparedness.

“I believe that in the 40 years I’ve been a soldier, it has never been as threatening as it is right now,” Breuer said, highlighting hybrid attacks, including drone incursions over key infrastructure in Germany, as part of Russia’s broader strategy.

Breuer warned that Russia’s continuous military rearmament sets the stage for a potential large-scale conflict with NATO by 2029. “Russia understands war differently,” he said, noting that the Russian Federation produces around 1,500 tanks annually, a stark contrast to the 750 tanks possessed by the five largest NATO countries.

In addition, Russia manufactures four million rounds of artillery ammunition each year, much of which is not only sent to the frontlines in Ukraine but also stored in depots and military structures for future use.

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Despite these growing threats, Breuer assured that NATO is more united than ever. He expressed confidence that Germany can defend itself with its current resources, especially once the 100 billion euros allocated by the Bundestag for defense modernization are fully utilized in the next two to three years.

However, Breuer stressed the need for a larger military force to meet future challenges. He estimated that Germany needs 460,000 soldiers, including reservists, to ensure effective defense of NATO's eastern flank and the “German hub” for troop movement.

With current active-duty soldiers numbering around 200,000, Germany would need to recruit 100,000 more personnel to meet this target, either through mandatory or voluntary military service.

Breuer also defended the purchase of the controversial F-35 fighter jet, arguing that it is the most viable option given the current security situation. European alternatives, he noted, would not be ready by 2029, making the US-made jet indispensable for Germany’s defense capabilities.

In his closing remarks, Breuer called for increased solidarity from German citizens, stressing that Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Europe’s overall defense.

In related news, Germany has launched its first foreign military deployment since World War II, stationing a 5,000-person tank brigade in Lithuania to reinforce NATO's eastern flank in response to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, Politico reported on April 1.