War between Germany and Russia in 2029: Defence Express names the problems of the Germans
Date: 2024-10-22 Author: Кирило Загоруйко Categories: WORLD
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius previously stated that Germany should be ready for war with Russia by 2029. In this regard, he plans to begin training troops, which requires appropriate funding.
As Defence Express writes, the German Navy is currently one of the smallest structures of its army. The German fleet has 48 units - 11 frigates, five corvettes, six submarines, 12 mine countermeasure ships, etc. Moreover, the situation is unlikely to change dramatically before 2029. Berlin has planned to replace two tankers and add five more Braunschweig-class corvettes to the fleet.
The situation is similar with regard to aviation. Germany plans to primarily replace equipment, rather than expand its number. Thus, instead of eight P-3C Orion there will be eight P-8A Poseidon, and 22 Mk.88A Sea Lynx helicopters should be replaced by 31 NH90 MRFH Sea Tiger units. To strengthen the combat power, the German army needs to modernize virtually all units.
"At the same time, in fact, not everything is positive in this direction. For example, if we take the same Braunschweig-class corvettes, the second batch of five corvettes should be delivered to the army from October 2025 until the end of 2026. However, the problem is that the first batch already requires a Mid-Life Upgrade, but the Germans decided that instead of modernization it would be better to purchase a third batch of five corvettes, for which, however, they did not find the money, so the purchase of additional ships was postponed," analysts note.
The submarine fleet also needs to be replenished, but this is not in the immediate plans. Of the six Type 212A submarines, four require urgent modernization, for which there is also no money. Therefore, Germany has decided to purchase six large unmanned underwater systems instead. This should expand anti-submarine warfare capabilities and help with reconnaissance.
In addition, the Germans have planned to modernize their frigates, of which they have 11 units. The F123 Brandenburg will receive a new control and weapons system, new RAM Block 2B and ESSM Block 2 air defense systems, and RBS15 Mk3 anti-ship missiles instead of Harpoon. The F124 Sachsen ships will have a new radar, RAM Block 2B and ESSM Block 2 air defense systems, but they will receive different anti-ship missiles - Naval Strike Missile Block 1A. In addition, these ships will have new combat helicopters on board. At the same time, the F125 Baden-Württemberg will receive IRIS-T SLM air defense systems in test mode.
The Germans also plan to purchase 1,000 RAM Block 2B missiles for €1 billion by 2031 and ESSM Block 2 for €269 million. They are currently purchasing RBS15 Mk3 anti-ship missiles, new Naval Strike Missile Block 1A and 48 Mk54 light torpedoes for €122 million.
