Army Inspector Lieutenant General Christian Freuding is appealing to the United States for unrestricted access to the Starshield satellite network, run by American billionaire Elon Musk, allowing Ukraine unfettered use of the system. Freuding told the “Handelsblatt” that Starshield is of paramount importance for combat operations. He stressed that Ukraine requires unrestricted access to data connections and intelligence from all its partners, hoping that international allies will continue to support Kyiv in its fight. This appeal comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had expressed concerns regarding limitations on Starshield usage.
Freuding also addressed internal issues within the German military, noting that central defense projects are progressing too slowly. While he insists on avoiding “manufacturer bashing,” the senior officer of the land forces admitted that too many procurement projects are falling behind schedule and failing to meet quality standards. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), for instance, has publicly criticized delivery delays concerning heavy weapon carrier infantry, and the Skyranger anti-aircraft gun vehicle will arrive significantly later than planned.
Looking ahead, Freuding aims to rapidly equip the Army with low-cost cruise missiles capable of striking deep into an adversary’s rear territory. He stated that two models are under consideration for the Bundeswehr and could potentially be qualified and introduced very quickly. Meanwhile, the US manufacturer Covenant is currently establishing a cruise missile production facility in Saxony.
Regarding current logistics, Freuding announced that approximately 120 Marder armored personnel carriers, which are about 50 years old, must be upgraded to a new digital radio system. Because these vehicles will arrive too late to participate in upcoming NATO commitments, the 112nd Panzergrenadier Battalion from Bavaria will step in, using its Puma armored personnel carriers for the NATO assignment.
