“The coexistence of different armed forces is expensively inefficient and only serves national interests,” explained German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius at the Berlin Security Conference (BSC) 2023. Germany and the Netherlands proved that strength lies in partnership. Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Olongren agrees with this. A strong Europe is the top priority of Dutch foreign…
The modernization of the Puma infantry fighting vehicle commissioned by the German government is taking longer than initially assumed. The first delivery of the combat vehicle was planned for the end of 2023. However, necessary rework on the software is making this schedule impossible. The industry plans to complete the programming work by February 2024.…
Almost three dozen Ukrainian soldiers are being trained in CBRN defense as part of the EU training mission EUMAM. They will be taught how to use the main decontamination station 70 (HEP 70) supplied by Germany. The HEP 70 is used to decontaminate vehicles contaminated with nuclear, biological or chemical agents. Two 1,500-liter tanks are…
In 2023, the Bundeswehr will participate for the first time with the German Army in the Talisman Sabre exercise in Australia. It will take place from 22 July to 4 August 2023 and consists of several sub-exercises. This is already the tenth iteration of the Talisman Sabre exercise. In addition to amphibious landings, ground force…
Yesterday, Budget Committee of the German Parliament approved several procurement projects in its last session before summer break. Among them is the succession of the “Luftlande-Wölfe” (air assault vehicle “Wolf”), which are to be replaced by Caracal. Germany and the Netherlands want to procure more than 1,500 vehicles. Caracal airborne vehicle family is the result…
Yesterday, the Budget Committee of the German Parliament approved the procurement of Chinooks as new Heavy Transport Helicopters (STH) for the Bundeswehr. For the $8.5 billion Bundeswehr will not only receive 60 Chinook Block IIs with air-to-air refuelling, but also spare parts, additional systems, maintenance and programme support. “With the selection decision for CH-47F Block…
The CH-53GS/GE transport helicopters of the German Armed Forces – which were supposed to be replaced years ago – will receive new Airborne Electronic Warfare (EW) self-protection systems from Elbit Systems as part of the platform upgrade programme. The corresponding order was placed with Israeli company by Airbus Helicopters on behalf of the German procurement…
In France’s largest cross-army military exercise in more than 30 years, French and allied forces rehearsed the defense against a major enemy attack on a friendly country. With a manpower of 1,200 soldiers, the Franco-German Brigade took on the role of the attacker.In the large-scale exercise Orion, France and its NATO allies simulated the defense…
In Seedorf, Lower Saxony, Parachute Regiment 31 has tested and optimized a new selection procedure for the Extended Basic Qualification (EGB). It takes into account the changed operational requirements. The predecessor of the new deployment concept dates back to 2008. Paratroopers with EGB are specialized forces of the Army and trained for special tasks in…
The Bundeswehr’s involvement in the Sahel is drawing to a close. Participation in the UN mission MINUSMA will end by May 2024 at the latest. The framework conditions for an effective military engagement are no longer in place. The redeployment of the German contingent from Mali will begin on June 1, 2023. This process is…