Germany’s top military officer is issuing a stark warning regarding the urgency of bolstering the nation’s armed forces, tempering optimism with a candid acknowledgement of persistent shortcomings. Generaloberst Christian Freuding, Inspector General of the German Army, cautioned in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that while troops are ostensibly prepared for immediate combat – a readiness he termed “fight tonight” – significant deficits remain, both in personnel and equipment.
Freuding emphasized the imperative of accelerating the army’s readiness, underscoring that Germany must transition beyond simple operational viability towards genuine combat effectiveness. He stated plainly that “every day counts” and that inaction is not an option, particularly given the dynamic threat landscape. The ultimate goal, he asserted, is to possess the capability not only to withstand enemy action but to actively prevail.
Addressing the recently declared operational readiness of Germany’s 10th Panzer Division – a crucial NATO asset – Freuding conceded deficiencies within the air defense component. He expressed personal reservations regarding supply chain performance, deeming current delivery rates and timelines “not sufficient”. This critique highlights potential vulnerabilities within Germany’s rapid response capabilities, raising questions about the division’s full operational effectiveness.
Concerning Germany’s ability to effectively counter large-scale drone swarms in the event of a Russian attack, Freuding acknowledged a theoretical capacity. However, he simultaneously injected a note of realism, questioning whether current methods could be deployed efficiently without jeopardizing long-term sustainability. This suggests ongoing investments and refinements are necessary to ensure Germany can realistically meet emerging aerial threats.
Turning to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Inspector General characterized the war as having devolved into a protracted war of attrition. Freuding stressed that ultimately, endurance will be the decisive factor in Ukraine’s ability to prevail. He directly linked this resilience to the continued provision of financial and military support from Germany and its international partners. This underscores a crucial political dimension, highlighting the dependence of Ukraine’s prospects on sustained commitment from the West and placing significant pressure on the German government to maintain its current level of assistance. The assessment implicitly criticizes any potential shifts towards reduced aid, recognizing the dire consequences for Kyiv’s ability to resist Russian aggression.
