The Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party to Germany’s ruling conservatives, is pushing for a radical overhaul of the Bundeswehr, aiming to transform it into Europe’s most powerful conventional military force. Details revealed in a draft document, dubbed “Seeon26” slated for discussion at a closed-door CSU retreat next week, outline a comprehensive and ambitious military buildup that raises questions about Germany’s evolving role in European security and the potential implications for international relations.
Alexander Hoffmann, leader of the CSU parliamentary group, has articulated the party’s core argument: Germany must assume responsibility for bolstering European defense capabilities through a significantly strengthened military. The proposed agenda explicitly envisions a Bundeswehr capable of deterring potential adversaries alongside allied partners.
The “Seeon26” document details a substantial procurement plan. It includes the acquisition of long-range cruise missiles, advanced reconnaissance drones boasting extended ranges and a new class of low-cost, precision-guided missiles, alongside an accelerated program for developing German hypersonic missile capabilities. The overarching goal, according to the draft, is the creation of a “European arsenal” featuring precision weaponry capable of striking deep within enemy territory.
Drawing lessons from the conflict in Ukraine, the plan also advocates for a significant expansion of the Bundeswehr’s drone capabilities. The proposal calls for equipping the military with a staggering 100,000 drones, integrated with artificial intelligence and space-based assets to significantly enhance their offensive and reconnaissance capabilities. Additional emphasis is placed on strengthening defensive measures and intelligence-gathering capabilities, including the deployment of an air defense system modeled after Israel’s “Iron Dome” complete with a projected 2,000 interceptor missiles.
Perhaps most controversially, the document proposes a system of comprehensive surveillance for the Baltic Sea. The initiative envisions “cost-effective and scalable, unmanned underwater drones” patrolling critical infrastructure and establishing sensor networks to provide real-time monitoring.
While proponents argue that such a robust military posture is necessary in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions and Russia’s aggression, critics have already raised concerns. The scale and ambition of the proposed buildup risks further militarizing European security while potentially straining Germany’s already stretched defense budget. Furthermore, questions remain about the political feasibility of such a significant shift in German security policy and its potential impact on relationships with both allies and adversaries. The CSU’s plan is certain to spark a heated debate within the German parliament and beyond, testing the limits of Germany’s willingness to embrace a more assertive military role on the continent.
