Germany plans to extend rapid expansion of old bunkers because of Russia's aggression

Germany plans to extend rapid expansion of old bunkers because of Russia's aggression

Berlin - According to the President of the Federal Authority for Population Protection and Disaster Aid (BBK), Ralph Tiesler, Germany's aging and dilapidated bunker network urgently needs a comprehensive overhaul. In an interview with the renowned newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, Tiesler said: "For a long time there was the widespread belief in Germany that a war is not a scenario that we have to prepare. That has changed. We are concerned about the risk of a great war of aggression in Europe."

worrying developments in Europe

The statements of Tiesler reflect a realistic fear that can be felt throughout Europe. It is feared that Russia could try again within the next four years to attack Europe. This period is generally regarded as the minimum size that Russia would need to arm yourself after the bloody and long conflict in Ukraine.

The condition of the bunkers in Germany

The report of the Süddeutsche Zeitung shows that Germany currently only has 580 bunkers, many of which are not ready for operation. This number has dropped considerably compared to almost 2,000 during the Cold War. Currently, only 5 % of the German population would have the opportunity to look for protection in the event of an attack. This is alarming with a population of around 83 million people.

planned measures to improve protection

Tiesler announced that his authority will upgrade tunnels, subway stations, underground garages and basements of public buildings in order to quickly create a million protective positions. There is also planning an expansion of the siren and warning systems across the country. He explained that a comprehensive plan for modernizing in the summer was presented, but added that the necessary financing still had to be secured.

financing requirement for redesign

"New bunker systems with very high protection requirements cost a lot of money and time," said Tiesler. He pointed out that the BBK is expected to "at least" at least 10 billion euros in the next four years and another 30 billion euros in the following ten years to complete the overhaul.

optimism in the financing question

there is reason for the confidence for the German authority. Before he officially became a chancellor, Friedrich Merz was able to release half a trillion euro ($ 570 billion) for the defense of Germany, some of which could also benefit the BBK. In view of the enormous need for funds to update the Bundeswehr, the medium -sized assignment could also be prioritized differently.

challenges of the Bundeswehr

Merz recently promised to make the Bundeswehr the strongest army in Europe. In order to comply with this promise, however, he will have to invest enormous sums to modernize, train and equip the soldiers. A report by the parliamentary commission for the armed forces pointed out that the Bundeswehr has "too little of everything".

recruitment and lack of personnel

The Bundeswehr has long been underfunded and the basic infrastructure, including the barracks, does not correspond to the standards. In addition, the army has difficulty reaching the recruitment goals. In 2018, Germany undertook to increase the emergency services to 203,000 by 2025 - a goal that was later postponed to 2031. The Bundeswehr currently only includes 181,000 soldiers.

possibilities for improving the personnel ceiling

merz 'government is considering the introduction of a mandatory military service. Tiesler and the BBK are also concerned about the personnel situation. "In an emergency, we lack staff," he told the Süddeutsche Zeitung. "Perhaps we need a mandatory military service or a voluntary civil protection service ... an option that enables the choice between civil and military service for the country."