BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has announced plans to transform the Bundeswehr into a military force with "model character" within the NATO alliance. "We will procure new equipment on a large scale, and we will place particular emphasis on new technologies," Merz said in Berlin during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Both leaders were scheduled to attend a ceremony later in the day marking the 70th anniversary of Germany's accession to NATO. "Germany has been a member of the North Atlantic Alliance for 70 years, and NATO has played a major role in ensuring that we have lived in freedom, peace, and prosperity in this country for three generations," Merz stated.
Joint Procurement with European Partners
Merz pledged that major acquisitions for the Bundeswehr would be carried out in a way that strengthens both the German and European defense industries. Germany will coordinate closely with its European partners to improve and jointly manage procurement. The focus will be on simplification, standardization, and so-called economies of scale--cost advantages achieved by purchasing large quantities together.
The Chancellor also condemned Russia's intensified attacks on targets in Ukraine. "Last night, we witnessed some of the most massive bomb and missile attacks since the beginning of the war. These are almost exclusively civilian targets. This is terrorism against the civilian population," Merz said. He added, "This has nothing to do with a war against military targets anymore."
