German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius are expected to attend the foundation-laying ceremony for a new ammunition factory today, Monday.
The German arms manufacturer “Rheinmetall” will produce artillery ammunition at the new plant in the small town of Unterlüß, north of Hanover. Unterlüß is already a major production site for Rheinmetall, where the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, among other equipment, is also manufactured.
The war in Ukraine has opened a new chapter for Rheinmetall, with an increasing demand for its weapons and ammunition systems as European countries seek to boost arms production for Ukraine and to replenish their own stocks.
The European Union recently admitted that it would not be able to achieve its goal of sending one million artillery shells to Ukraine by next March.
Germany’s defense policy and military landscape have undergone significant transformations, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events. The country aims to strengthen its military to become the backbone of deterrence and collective defense in Europe. This commitment is part of the “Zeitenwende” policy shift announced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Days after Russian forces crossed into Ukraine in February 2022, Scholz pledged what he called a “turning point” in German defense policy. Scholz announced a one-time rearmament program worth 100 billion euros ($107 billion) to modernize the German military for the sake of national and collective defense of the European Union. However, the slow pace of development is increasingly criticized.
There have been criticisms regarding the slow implementation of the “Zeitenwende” policy and its tangible impacts on Germany’s defense capabilities. The defense spending of about 50 billion euros falls short of NATO’s 2% GDP target, and priorities seem to have shifted towards domestic concerns like subsidizing energy bills rather than directly enhancing the country’s security. The Zeitenwende was intended not only to increase military spending but also to shift Germany’s security mindset. However, the actual progress and effectiveness of these initiatives remain subjects of debate.
Moreover, the Bundeswehr faces challenges beyond just high-tech weapon acquisitions. There are basic needs such as shortages of ammunition and even combat boots and underwear. Despite a significant budget, the military has struggled with material and equipment shortages, and planned purchases of major weapon systems have often been stalled. The procurement process has been criticized for being poorly organized and hindered by excessive bureaucracy. As Germany seeks to modernize its military, careful consideration and prioritization are necessary to ensure that investments lead to a tangible strengthening of the armed forces.
