Berlin (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated in an interview with Handelsblatt on Sunday that by 2029, Russia will have rebuilt its armed forces to the point where it could attack NATO territory.
How united is NATO amid Russia’s growing military power?What concerns arise from russian drones near German airports?
He observed that because of this possibility, countries should not merely “hope for a best-case scenario,” but also prepare for “the worst-case scenario.” Discussing the current situation, Pistorius compared it to the Cold War, noting that while no shots are fired, there are some provocations.
Regarding the recent drone incursions across Europe, he emphasised that Moscow is responsible, stating,
“no one else has an interest in sending large numbers of drones to Denmark or Poland.”
Pistorius emphasised that people in Germany should remain calm regarding drone sightings.
“The Bundeswehr cannot be everywhere in Germany where drones appear and take them down,”
He remarked.
How united is NATO amid Russia’s growing military power?
Germany’s chief of defence stated two months ago that members of the Western alliance, NATO, should prepare for a potential Russian attack within the next four years. General Carsten Breuer said that Russia produces hundreds of tanks annually, with many potentially capable of being used in an attack on NATO Baltic states by 2029 or sooner.
He also emphasised that NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, stays united regarding the war in Ukraine, even though Hungary and Slovakia have recently expressed differing views.
What concerns arise from russian drones near German airports?
A few days ago, Germany had several suspected incidents of Russian drones entering its airspace, notably in the vicinity of critical infrastructure and airports, including Munich Airport. As a consequence of these drone sightings, flights were cancelled and diverted, causing significant challenges in covering travel to the large volume of passengers affected. The drones were sighted near airfields and military installations, arousing concerns about espionage and breaches of security.
Pistorius has recognised that the country is “truly behind” regarding defending against drone threats, particularly following recent suspected Russian drone incursions into Germany’s airspace.
He said that Germany “essentially doesn’t have enough equipment and has enough capability” to protect itself from drone threats, so it is trying to catch up. Pistorius asserted that everyone is working to address this, including planning on obtaining new systems (like Rheinmetall’s Skyranger anti-aircraft tanks, which are not expected until 2027).
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