Despite visible staff shortages, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) currently sees no need for general conscription. Speaking to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, Pistorius noted that troop numbers are growing and that the development is being closely monitored. He conceded that the question of what to do if they run out of suitable candidates in a few years is on the table, explaining that this required countermeasure was agreed upon from the start within the coalition government.
However, he stressed that this would not involve a general military levy because, for the foreseeable future, they lack both sufficient trainers and the necessary infrastructure. Instead, he argued, the solution would be a demand-driven military duty. For now, though, “volunteering remains the principle for the coming years.”
The Defense Minister also advocated for utilizing the skills and experience of the automotive industry more extensively within the defense sector. To achieve this, a round table has been established where representatives from various industries-including suppliers, start-ups, and major financial players-are exchanging ideas. He explained that collaboration could help secure resilient and stable supply chains or cushion against supply bottlenecks.
Furthermore, Pistorius commented on modern military strength, stating that superiority today is not achievable solely through high technology. He pointed out that the deployment of large quantities of low-cost drones is also crucial, concluding that “ultimately, it is the mix of mass and quality that makes the difference.”
Turning to the cancellation of the F126 frigate project for the navy, the Minister explained that internal reviews showed the total costs would exceed 18 billion euros. “We are talking about a surplus of a staggering eight billion euros. That is not possible.” In terms of joint defense projects and the future of relationships, Pistorius reaffirmed his commitment to the Franco-German partnership and friendship following the failure of the FCAS program, declaring clearly: “Yes, absolutely: Vive l’amitié franco-allemande.”
Regarding his own political aspirations, such as running as SPD chancellor candidate, Pistorius reflected that personal experiences have taught him that one cannot meticulously plan all aspects of their life and career. “I really enjoy being the Defense Minister, and I am far from done with this task.”
Acknowledging the negative public opinion polls and recent election results, he stated that these cannot be blamed on a few individuals. Instead, he emphasized that “everyone who holds responsibility is challenged to recover.” The currently popular politician from his party expressed strong confidence in Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas.
