General Inspector Carsten Breuer pushed back against criticism claiming that the Ministry of Defence is relying on outdated technology to modernize the Bundeswehr. Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, the highest-ranking military official stated that the acquisition process is not an “either-or” choice between combat tanks or drones. Instead, the focus is on integrating both: “combat tanks and drones, or better yet, tanks equipped with drones.”
Breuer elaborated that modern tanks are far more than just structures of steel weighing over 50 tons today. They serve as networked sensor platforms on the battlefield, capable of controlling drones, collecting data, and distributing information alongside their primary offensive capability. He stressed that no system procured today can be conceived of without unmanned elements and artificial intelligence. Accordingly, he argued that the critics’ assertions are unfounded, as the military is actively investing in forward-looking capabilities and new technologies.
The General Inspector also refuted the charge that the Bundeswehr is too slow in developing innovations. While admitting that Germany has not yet matched the pace of technological development seen in Ukraine, he countered that “we have become significantly faster.” For instance, he noted that kamikaze drones were trialed within eight months and are expected to be introduced into units in the near future.
Regarding the completion timeline for newly ordered weapon systems, Breuer conceded that he, too, feels the process is taking “too long.” Because the armed forces have suffered years of underfunding and lengthy periods where defense projects were essentially run like small-scale manufacturing operations, the defense industry must now ramp up parallel to the orders being placed. Breuer noted that the industry’s current pace cannot keep up with the military’s demands. Nevertheless, he emphasized the critical need for a rapid increase in production and high operational readiness by 2029 to defend the nation and its allies against a potential Russian attack, thereby maintaining deterrence.
