Assessing Germany’s Bundeswehr Readiness to Defend NATO

In the early months of 1996, a historic moment unfolded as German soldiers, clad in combat gear, set foot on foreign soil in a European nation for the first time since the conclusion of World War II. Their destination was not Bosnia-Herzegovina as UN peacekeepers, but rather as part of the NATO-led Implementation Force (IFOR).

The backdrop to this deployment traces back to the early 1990s when the former Yugoslavian republic was plunged into a brutal conflict, widely regarded as the bloodiest war on European soil since the end of World War II. The conflict was instigated by the ethnic Serb minority within the country, with backing from the forces of Serbian autocrat Slobodan Milosevic. The turning point came in December 1995 when the warring factions, alongside neighboring nations and key world leaders from the United States, Britain, France, and Germany, signed the Dayton Peace Agreement.

In the aftermath of this accord, NATO established IFOR, later succeeded by the Stabilization Force (SFOR), with the primary objective of upholding the ceasefire and fostering stability in the small southeastern European nation.

Despite Germany’s participation in the mission, the Bundeswehr found itself inadequately prepared for the rugged terrain of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The troops of the German army had not been trained for operations in such challenging environments, leading to instances where roads had to be widened to accommodate the passage of heavy military equipment.

During the Cold War era, the primary focus of the Bundeswehr of the German Federal Republic (West Germany) was geared towards defending against potential aggression from the Warsaw Pact nations, particularly the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) under Soviet influence. The annual NATO maneuvers during this period simulated scenarios of an eastern attack, emphasizing the defense capabilities of Leopard main battle tanks and Bundeswehr units until air superiority could be established with the assistance of NATO’s prominent member, the United States.

Over the years, the size of the German army witnessed fluctuations, with notable growth from 1958 to 1972 before a subsequent decline and eventual stabilization at a reduced strength. By 2023, the Bundeswehr’s ranks had dwindled to 181,000 members, with only a fraction trained for combat roles in NATO missions.

The evolution of Germany’s role within NATO took a significant turn following the 9/11 attacks in the United States, prompting the nation to fulfill its treaty obligations within the alliance. The Bundeswehr became part of the US-led coalition in the invasion of Afghanistan to combat the Taliban insurgency.

Looking ahead, the question arises as to whether Germany will assume a more prominent leadership role within NATO, particularly in light of uncertainties surrounding US commitments under potential leadership changes. German officials acknowledge the need for the Bundeswehr to enhance its readiness for conventional defense in Europe, although challenges persist in terms of personnel, equipment, and overall capabilities.

As NATO marks its 75th anniversary, the focus remains on strengthening the alliance as a deterrent against potential threats, mirroring the strategic imperatives of the Cold War era. Amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, the Bundeswehr faces the imperative of bolstering its defenses to navigate the complex security landscape of the 21st century.