Germany adopted a military strategy and called Russia the main threat

Photo: Matthias Balk / dpa / Global Look Press

For the first time since World War II, Germany has adopted a defense strategy that describes Russia as the main threat to European security message gave Deutsche Welle.

“Russia is preparing for a military confrontation with NATO through rearmament and considers the use of military force as a legitimate means of advancing its interests,” said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius while presenting a comprehensive concept of the country’s defense in Berlin.

According to him, Moscow aims to destroy NATO by severing the connection between Europe and the US and seeks to expand its sphere of influence.

The defense concept consists of a military strategy and a plan for the development of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), which describes its structure and composition. According to the strategic document, Russia is “creating conditions for a military attack on NATO countries” and is already conducting hybrid operations against alliance members, including Germany.

“Subversion, cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns and espionage have become a constant threat and countering them is a constant duty of the military,” Pistorius said.

According to the concept, the number of military personnel should reach at least 460,000 people, which together with the allies will make it possible to resist the possible aggression of Russia (now there are 184,300 soldiers in the German Armed Forces).

One of the tasks of the development of the army is also to ensure “information superiority” over the enemy by increasing the military potential in space and cyberspace.

In the future, the German army should have more opportunities to accurately destroy long-range targets – in addition to the existing “Taurus”, it is planned to purchase JASSM-ER cruise missiles with a range of about 1 thousand km for the new F-35 fighter. Also, Berlin intends to develop a multi-stage air defense.