The German Armed Forces Procurement Agency is operating under significant time pressure, facing what officials describe as a “race against time” to equip the Bundeswehr for potential defense scenarios. Annette Lehnigk-Emden, President of the Procurement Agency, highlighted the urgency in remarks to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers.
The agency is tasked with ensuring the German military is fully prepared for both national and alliance defense by 2029. This objective stems from a directive received from the General Inspector of the Armed Forces. While acknowledging that a direct attack by Russia against NATO is not guaranteed, officials emphasize the necessity of proactive preparation.
The German Ministry of Defence has raised concerns that by 2029, Russia’s military advancements could reach a point where an attack on NATO becomes a possibility. To facilitate sufficient training and readiness, equipment must be delivered to the Bundeswehr by 2028.
This accelerated timeline is contributing to procurement bottlenecks. While the armed forces have placed substantial orders since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and have received deliveries, the production capacity of the defense industry has not yet adjusted sufficiently to meet the demands within the stipulated timeframe. The current approach relies on manufacturing processes, whereas a rapid shift towards serial production is required. However, the agency reports that this message has been received within the defense industry.
Despite the challenges, Lehnigk-Emden expressed confidence in the ability to equip the Bundeswehr effectively. She stated that while it’s possible the military may not possess every piece of equipment by 2029, she is convinced Germany will be prepared, particularly when operating in conjunction with partner nations.
