The German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, are to be equipped, but lack both soldiers and material. Here, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (th) inspects soldiers during an exercise in Augustdorf in February. Photo: AP / NTB
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2. apr. 2023 10:04 – Updated Apr 2 2023 10:04
The German armed forces are to be equipped, but are struggling both with a lack of equipment and the recruitment of soldiers.
The government in Germany has set itself the goal of increasing the number of soldiers in the defense from 183,000 to 203,000 by 2031, but that is unlikely to be done, believes Eva Högl in the government party SDP.
– I cannot see that it is achievable, says Högl, who is defense commissioner and is thus responsible for the well-being of soldiers in the Bundeswehr.
In an interview with Funke Mediengruppe, Högl points out that the German armed forces are struggling with the recruitment of new soldiers, and that many recruits also drop out before completing their service.
– There are bigger challenges related to personnel than to material, she says.
