“Get an idea today of what the Bundeswehr does outstandingly well!” This is how Boris Pistorius opened the Bundeswehr Day with his speech on Saturday.
Earlier, the Minister President of the State of Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil, had emphasized the very good connection of the State of Lower Saxony with the Bundeswehr in a greeting address.
The Armed Forces Day was held simultaneously at ten selected locations in Germany. The Minister’s speech was transmitted from Bückeburg, the location of the Helicopter Command and the International Helicopter Training Center, to the other locations. The minister addressed the necessary procurements for the German Armed Forces, saying that the equipment was not yet fully available because savings had been made for more than 30 years due to political circumstances. “Such a thing does not pass an army without a trace,” Boris Pistorius said.
The Federal Minister of Defense justified his appeal to continue supporting Ukraine, “to help this battered country for as long as it takes,” on the one hand with the obligation under international law and on the other hand with the fact that it is about our freedom.
He added that the special assets for the Bundeswehr help to close the biggest gaps in equipment, but that more money is also needed in the long term to equip servicemen and women as required. “They serve you!” the minister told the visitors. In 17 foreign deployments on three continents, with simultaneous training of Ukrainian personnel and the “Air Defender” exercise, the troops are showing what they are capable of, he said.
Federal Defense Minister Pistorius extended an invitation to the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf (“Home for Respect”) and concluded his address by saying, “Use today to talk to the soldiers – Say thank you – It’s your Bundeswehr that protects you!”
A high-caliber flight and exhibition program followed, a showcase of achievements especially, but not only, of the airmobile forces. The number of visitors in Bückeburg exceeded the “100,000 mark”.
Major General (ret) Reinhard Wolski, Chairman Berlin Security Conference
