German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has cautioned that Russia could be capable of attacking NATO member states within a few years, according to statements released to the Handelsblatt newspaper. Pistorius indicated that both the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Ministry of Defense assess that Russia will have reconstituted its military forces by approximately 2029 to the point where it could potentially launch an attack on NATO territory.
While he emphasized that this does not necessarily imply that Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to take such action, he underscored the importance of preparedness for a worst-case scenario. He compared the current situation to the Cold War era, noting a period marked by the absence of direct conflict alongside instances of provocation. Pistorius specifically highlighted ongoing hybrid attacks, attributing recent drone incidents to Russia. He expressed support for a proposed drone defense law introduced by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, which would allow the German armed forces to defend against aircraft, including drones, beyond their traditional areas of responsibility, under specific circumstances and in cooperation with law enforcement.
However, Pistorius tempered expectations regarding the Bundeswehr’s capabilities in countering drone threats, referencing incidents such as those recently affecting Munich Airport. He clarified that the armed forces cannot be deployed everywhere in Germany to intercept every drone sighting. He stressed the importance of equipping state and federal police forces with the necessary skills to address drone activity at lower altitudes, while also emphasizing the responsibility of infrastructure operators, such as those managing airports and power plants, in ensuring their own security.
