Citing a statement from the German Chief of Defense Carsten Breuer, the report suggests that Berlin fears that by 2029, conditions will be optimal for a direct Russian attack on NATO.
“You should mark the year 2029 in your calendar!” Breuer said during a speech at a military academy.
“There's still a lot of work to be done by then, and we must be prepared.”
Breuer also projected that in five to eight years, Russia could have around 1.5 million soldiers, about twice the number of troops currently fighting in Ukraine.
In contrast, the publication noted that the Bundeswehr currently has 181,500 soldiers, 20,000 short of its target strength of 203,000 troops. As a result, the German government is considering reinstating mandatory military service.
Additionally, the journalists analyzed military equipment reserves of both countries. According to the report, Germany possesses fewer than 300 main battle tanks, while Russia is currently producing or refurbishing approximately 1,500 tanks annually. The report also mentioned that the German army has limited ammunition supplies, enough for only two days, violating NATO's requirement of having at least 30 days' worth of ammunition.
“The government has already developed Operational Plan Germany (OPLAN DEU), a document that outlines the structuring of Germany's military architecture in preparation for a potential conflict,” the article says.
“Germany's primary task is to ensure the deployment and provision of fuel, food, and medical supplies to NATO forces.”