Germany plans rapid bunker expansion against Russian aggression

Germany plans rapid bunker expansion against Russian aggression

Berlin-The outdated and ailing bunker network in Germany requires comprehensive overhaul, according to the President of the Federal Authority for Population Protection and Disaster Aid (BBK), Ralph Tiesler. In an interview with the Sueddeutsche Zeitung explained Tiesler:" According to a widespread faith in Germany, there was a long time convincing that war is not a scenario for which we would have to prepare. We are concerned about that Risk of a greater war of aggression in Europe. ”

The threat of Russia

The words of Tiesler reflect a real fear that is shared throughout Europe. There is afraid that Russia could try again within the next four years to attack Europe. This period is generally regarded as the minimum that Russia needs to be upgraded again after a bloody and lengthy conflict in the ukraine

The current situation of the bunker

In Germany, only 580 bunkers are currently available, many of which are not ready for operation, reports the Sueddeutsche Zeitung . For comparison: There were almost 2000 during the Cold War. Currently only 5% of the German population can search for protection in the event of an attack.

future plans for population protection

The President of the Civil Protection Authority stated that he would like to upgrade subway stations, underground garages and the basements from public buildings in order to "quickly create a million protective positions" and to expand the country's siren and warning systems. A comprehensive plan for the renovation and expansion is to be presented in summer, but the financing still has to be secured.

financial challenges

Tiesler continued: "New bunker systems with very high protection requirements cost a lot of money and time." He estimated that the BBK will need "at least" 10 billion euros ($ 11 billion) in the next four years and will need another 30 billion euros ($ 34 billion) in the following 10 years to complete the overhaul.

positive developments

However, there is also reason to hope for the German authority. Before his official appointment as Chancellor, Friedrich Merz was able to release half a trillion euro ($ 570 billion) for the defense of Germany, some of which could benefit from the BBK. In view of the extent of the task of modernizing the German armed forces, the award could also be prioritized in other areas.

military challenges and recruitment

Merz recently promised to make the German army the strongest in Europe. In order to adhere to this promise, he will have to spend large sums in order to modernize, train soldiers. A report by the parliamentary commission for the armed forces pointed out that the Deutsche Armee" too little of everything ". The army has been underfunded for a long time, and the basic infrastructure, including the barracks, does not correspond to the standards.

voluntary or mandatory service?

In addition, the army fights to achieve the recruitment goals. Germany committed itself to increasing the number of armed forces to 203,000 by 2025 in 2018 - a goal that was later postponed to 2031. The current strength of the German army is only 181,000. Merz's government is considering introducing mandatory military service. Tiesler and the BBK are also concerned about the lack of staff: "We are missing in an emergency of staff", he told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung . "Perhaps we need a mandatory military service or a voluntary civil protection service ... one that enables the choice between civil and military service for the country."