Military of Germany

Military of Germany
Bundeswehr · Public domain · source
Name	Bundeswehr
Native name	Bundeswehr
Founded	1955 (Federal Republic of Germany)
Branches	Bundeswehr, Luftwaffe, Deutsche Marine, Heer, Streitkräftebasis, Zentraler Sanitätsdienst der Bundeswehr
Headquarters	Berlin
Commander in chief	Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Minister	Boris Pistorius
Commander	Carsten Breuer
Manpower	Active duty and reserve
History	Reichswehr, Wehrmacht, Nazi Germany

Military of Germany The armed forces of Germany, known principally as the Bundeswehr, serve as the national defence force of the Federal Republic of Germany. Rooted in post-World War II reconstruction and shaped by treaties such as the Paris Treaties (1954), the force operates under civilian control dictated by the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany and participates in numerous alliances including North Atlantic Treaty Organization, European Union, and the United Nations.

History

Germany's armed history traces from the Prussian Army and the Reichswehr through the Wehrmacht era of Nazi Germany and the post-war establishment of the Bundeswehr in 1955. The Cold War and division into Federal Republic of Germany and German Democratic Republic produced parallel forces: the Bundeswehr and the Nationale Volksarmee. Reunification in 1990 merged traditions and inventories from the Bundeswehr and the Nationale Volksarmee after negotiations framed by the Two Plus Four Agreement. Post-Cold War operations expanded under mandates from the United Nations Security Council and NATO including deployments to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo War, Afghanistan, and counter-piracy off Horn of Africa. Debates over transformation referenced reports such as the Weizsäcker Commission and German policy shifts following the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Organisation and Command Structure

The Bundeswehr's command structure centers on the Federal Ministry of Defence and the civilian Minister of Defence, with operational command vested in the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr and branch inspectors like the Inspector of the Army. Constitutional provisions in the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany stipulate that the Chancellor of Germany becomes Commander-in-Chief only in times of defence. The Bundeswehr comprises joint institutions including Kommando Streitkräftebasis, Kommando Heer, Kommando Luftwaffe, and Kommando Marine, supported by the Zentraler Sanitätsdienst der Bundeswehr and logistics commands such as Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr.

Personnel and Conscription

Personnel policy evolved from compulsory service under the 1956 law to suspension of conscription in 2011 following Bundestag debates in the Bundestag and input from parties like CDU, SPD, Die Linke, and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen. Career paths include volunteer professional service and reserve obligations managed alongside institutions such as the Bundeswehrkrankenhaus system and military education at the Universität der Bundeswehr Munich and Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg. Prominent personnel figures include former Ministers Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Ursula von der Leyen, and senior officers like former Inspector Generals Volker Wieker and Eberhard Zorn.

Branches and Capabilities

The Bundeswehr consists of the Heer, Luftwaffe, Deutsche Marine, the joint Streitkräftebasis, and the Zentraler Sanitätsdienst der Bundeswehr. The Heer fields formations such as the Panzergrenadier, Jäger, and armored brigades equipped with platforms like the Leopard 2 main battle tank and Puma infantry fighting vehicle. The Luftwaffe operates aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado, and transport assets like the A400M Atlas. The Deutsche Marine includes vessels such as the Baden-Württemberg-class frigate, Type 212 submarine, and Sachsen-class frigate. Special forces are centered in the Kommando Spezialkräfte and maritime special operations via the Kommando Spezialkräfte Marine. Capabilities are enhanced by NATO frameworks such as Very High Readiness Joint Task Force and national projects like the Cyber and Information Space Command.

Equipment and Procurement

Procurement is overseen by the Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr with major programs including replacement of rotary-wing assets with NH90, procurement of F-35 Lightning II debated against Eurofighter, and naval construction under shipyards like Kiel and firms such as ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Rheinmetall. Historical procurement controversies touched programs like the Tornado upgrade, the A400M delivery schedule, and the[^] acquisition of NHIndustries NH90. Export controls reflect commitments under the German Arms Export Policy and align with partners including France and United States. Industrial partners include Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Diehl Defence, MTU Friedrichshafen, Airbus Defence and Space, and Hensoldt.

Operations and Deployments

German forces have participated in multinational operations under NATO, EUFOR, and UNIFIL mandates including missions in Balkans, Operation Enduring Freedom, ISAF, Operation Atalanta, and training missions in Iraq and Mali. Domestic roles include support during floods in Germany and assistance under the Katastrophenschutz framework. Notable operational contributions involved the KFOR stabilization in Kosovo and command roles in Resolute Support Mission headquarters. Cooperative arrangements exist with partners such as France under the Aachen Treaty (2019), Poland, and United States European Command.

Defence Policy and Strategy

Defence policy is framed by white papers such as the German White Paper on Security Policy and the Future of the Bundeswehr and doctrines emphasizing collective defence and crisis management within NATO and the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy. Strategic shifts after events like the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine increased focus on territorial defence, readiness, and spending commitments under NATO's 2% guideline. Parliamentary oversight is exercised by the German Bundestag through instruments like the Parlamentsbeteiligungsgesetz. Future policy priorities include modernization programs, strengthening of European defense cooperation via initiatives such as the Permanent Structured Cooperation and procurement coordination in projects like the Main Ground Combat System and Future Combat Air System.

Category:Defence of Germany