In the news in Business Insider, referring to defense industry and parliamentary sources, it was announced that the German army (Bundeswehr) had enough ammunition for only one or two days of war.
Berlin falls significantly behind NATO’s requirement to keep stocks for at least 30 days, Business Insider reports in Germany.
The problem is said to have been “known for years” as military exercises suffer from insufficient stocks.
After Russia declared war on Ukraine in February, stocks were further depleted as Germany, along with many other Western countries, began to send weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.
Deliveries include 53,000 motorized anti-aircraft guns, 21.8 million firearm rounds and 50 bunker-buster missiles, according to the German government.
“FACTURAL SITUATION CANNOT BE FIXED”
“If ammunition is removed from Bundeswehr stockpiles and orders are not placed for the defense industry, the shortage will not improve,” Hans Christoph Atzpodien, CEO of the German Security and Defense Industry Association (BDSV), told Business Insider.
Meanwhile, military sources said there were no “substantial orders” to defense companies to produce more weapons.
Eva Hoegl, the defense commissioner of the German parliament, said an additional 20 billion euros would be needed to replenish stocks.
It would be nice if you offered a link to “Business Insider.” In lieu of that, you should at least cite the particular edition.