Maybe an unanticipated effect of these negotiations over the Patriot equipment will open a few eyes among the top officers at the Pentagon. Not, of course, including Hegseth and his band of incompetents. Another thing that might possibly occur is another 180 degree pivot by the Orange Clown Balloon, if he is embarrassed by this. Fingers crossed.
Oh, I wish. But it won’t open their eyes—it never does. Even Roosevelt had to put his foot down and tell them what to do. They only respond to direction; that’s the only thing that ever works.
This is directly caused by Trump and his pro- Russian government. It is a necessary step to locking Russia out of Europe encroachment permanently. As we say, no ifs, no buts. Russia will gain nothing but pain if they try to keep any part of Ukraine but it is doubtful that Putin or Trump will see it that way yet.
Hopeful signs, but will the. Bundestag really change its thinking and go all in on defense spending while also increasing deficits? This would be very un-German-like and political will only be shown if this spending is approved.
The Bundestag (in its old composition, before the result of the recent election took effect) has already, with the 2/3 supermajority that was required for that step, changed the constitution so that the increase of the deficit will be possible, explicitly for this very purpose. So quite significant political will has already been shown.
Rapid growth of Russian military spending, and threatening Putin posture were multi-year preludes to these current German buildup efforts. To NOT respond would have been the height of unacceptable incompetence on Germany’s part.
I trust Germany to have only defensive intentions, and willingness to support allies in that mode, FAR more than the Russians or the U.S. Russia has openly threatened its prior Soviet era occupied possession states and the U.S. has openly threatened Canada and Greenland.
I’m not nervous at all about German military spending. I was nervous about German timidity approaching the decision to do so.
There is no german nationalism to speak of now and there hasn't been for decades. We are pretty good europeans, struggling with immigration issues from non-european peoples. Within europe, even if radically right-wing parties are to dominate it, germany should be cooperative.
Yes, this is what we need to hear...and see come to fruition. Germany will become the "replacement" for an unreliable U.S. under Trump. Setting an example by forceful leadership is what Europe requires more than anything else. Putin not only has destroyed Russia's economy, killed and wounded over a million of his troops along with eviscerating the military but, most importantly, has awakened the "sleeping giant" of Europe. A combination of German money and industrial might along with the experience and size of the Ukrainian military will make Central Europe a powerful "pivot point" in the future that should more than counter Russian imperial dreams.
I have mixed feelings there. As soon as I hear of German militarization a shock of fear and concern runs through me. Simultaneously I think it’s a great positive in light of everything Trump and the dysfunction of his cult. It’s both.
Is the plan for those tanks be each accompanied by a large swarm of drones so that they can’t be destroyed as relatively easily and inexpensively as the Ukrainians were able to destroy so many Russian battle tanks?
Their drone development programme is currently focused a bit more on Ukraine's needs. As of this year, everything is done with Ukraine first and Germany second. That will change—and only then can we start looking into the gaps. They also have one major advantage on the drone front: since they are funding Ukraine’s long-range drone programme, they will gain access to key developments.
Sure seems like tanks , even good ones like the leopards are a thing of the past. It appears to an amateur , That drone warfare had overtaken the world of heavy metal. 🎸
Not a single SAMP/T has been ordered—absolutely stunning. It makes me suspect something is off, though I can’t yet see what or where.
The only one ahead is Diehl Defence, the manufacturer of IRIS-T systems. They’ve developed a prototype with up to 80 km range, but we’re still looking at least two years before a true European system is ready.
Until then, we’re stuck with the following setup: handful of Patriots, a layered IRIS-T medium-range setup, and NASAMS for short-range coverage.
"And that should concern anyone who believed Europe had permanently lost its appetite for power."
By concern, you mean Putin? Or those of us who are not altogether happy with a re-arming Germany, especially in the long run. I'd understand both.
Don't get me wrong - we need Germany to win the Ukraine-Russia war (yes, win it), but unfortunately, Germany's re-armament is accompanied by a political instability (the rise of AFD) we also haven't seen in many decades.
History has a way of repeating itself. There is an inevitability about this time frame that frightens me.
A win in Ukraine, even if that means a militarily unleashed Germany? Pfff. Ask me again in a couple of years...
It might be interesting to know more details about each NATO country’s contributions, although my main interest is France,where I live just under half the year.
The will to power always scares me a bit. It is so easy for the results to be abused at some future time. For the moment there is no choice. Putin is rumbling too loudly about Azerbaijan and more for anyone to relax. The infusion of extra troops from the East is also troubling.
I curse the U.S. administration for what it is determined to allow to happen in Ukraine. (Not to mention Gaza.)
Unfortunately, Merkel was focused primarily on the German economy and completely missed the dangers posed by a Putin getting ever stronger by holding the EU hostage to cheap energy.
This analysis captures a pivotal moment in Germany’s security and industrial policy. The massive procurement plan is far more than a NATO boost—it’s a strategic revival of Germany’s defense industrial base after decades of decline. By placing large domestic orders, Berlin is breaking the “doom loop” of shrinking production and rising costs, setting the stage for sustained industrial competitiveness and export growth.
Germany is a powerhouse. I am glad they are aligned with Ukraine.
Maybe an unanticipated effect of these negotiations over the Patriot equipment will open a few eyes among the top officers at the Pentagon. Not, of course, including Hegseth and his band of incompetents. Another thing that might possibly occur is another 180 degree pivot by the Orange Clown Balloon, if he is embarrassed by this. Fingers crossed.
Oh, I wish. But it won’t open their eyes—it never does. Even Roosevelt had to put his foot down and tell them what to do. They only respond to direction; that’s the only thing that ever works.
This is directly caused by Trump and his pro- Russian government. It is a necessary step to locking Russia out of Europe encroachment permanently. As we say, no ifs, no buts. Russia will gain nothing but pain if they try to keep any part of Ukraine but it is doubtful that Putin or Trump will see it that way yet.
True..
We appreciate your coverage of the German military buildup!
European democracies need immediate protection from Putin’s self-proclaimed ambition to restore the Russian Empire!
Putin knows he has Trump’s full support, even if Trump tries to pretend otherwise!
Don’t be fooled by their game-playing!
Know now that Congressional Republican hawks are NO match for Putin’s hold on the White House!
UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NO TIME TO RAISE CONCERN ABOUT EUROPEAN MILITARY POWER!
We praise Germany’s rise against fascism!
Americans worked 80 years promoting European democracy!
Let’s applaud our success!
Hopeful signs, but will the. Bundestag really change its thinking and go all in on defense spending while also increasing deficits? This would be very un-German-like and political will only be shown if this spending is approved.
The Bundestag (in its old composition, before the result of the recent election took effect) has already, with the 2/3 supermajority that was required for that step, changed the constitution so that the increase of the deficit will be possible, explicitly for this very purpose. So quite significant political will has already been shown.
Hopeful signs – yes
Unfortunately necessary.
Some may see this as positive - as long as Germany is a strong NATO ally and committed to helping Ukraine.
Unfortunately, having countries gearing up military capability can also be a prelude to larger conflicts ….
Rapid growth of Russian military spending, and threatening Putin posture were multi-year preludes to these current German buildup efforts. To NOT respond would have been the height of unacceptable incompetence on Germany’s part.
I trust Germany to have only defensive intentions, and willingness to support allies in that mode, FAR more than the Russians or the U.S. Russia has openly threatened its prior Soviet era occupied possession states and the U.S. has openly threatened Canada and Greenland.
I’m not nervous at all about German military spending. I was nervous about German timidity approaching the decision to do so.
Exactly...
There is no german nationalism to speak of now and there hasn't been for decades. We are pretty good europeans, struggling with immigration issues from non-european peoples. Within europe, even if radically right-wing parties are to dominate it, germany should be cooperative.
Yes, this is what we need to hear...and see come to fruition. Germany will become the "replacement" for an unreliable U.S. under Trump. Setting an example by forceful leadership is what Europe requires more than anything else. Putin not only has destroyed Russia's economy, killed and wounded over a million of his troops along with eviscerating the military but, most importantly, has awakened the "sleeping giant" of Europe. A combination of German money and industrial might along with the experience and size of the Ukrainian military will make Central Europe a powerful "pivot point" in the future that should more than counter Russian imperial dreams.
...and, yes, those of us old enough to remember the past have some mis-givings about a resurgent Germany but is there an alternative?
None. We need Germany to dig us all out
I have mixed feelings there. As soon as I hear of German militarization a shock of fear and concern runs through me. Simultaneously I think it’s a great positive in light of everything Trump and the dysfunction of his cult. It’s both.
No Chris. Unless Germany moves, Putin wins, our kids will lose a chance to live in a democratic world.
I do agree with you. This is no longer Hitler’s Germany.
My reaction exactly
“as many as 1,000 Leopard 2 main battle tanks”
Is the plan for those tanks be each accompanied by a large swarm of drones so that they can’t be destroyed as relatively easily and inexpensively as the Ukrainians were able to destroy so many Russian battle tanks?
Their drone development programme is currently focused a bit more on Ukraine's needs. As of this year, everything is done with Ukraine first and Germany second. That will change—and only then can we start looking into the gaps. They also have one major advantage on the drone front: since they are funding Ukraine’s long-range drone programme, they will gain access to key developments.
Sure seems like tanks , even good ones like the leopards are a thing of the past. It appears to an amateur , That drone warfare had overtaken the world of heavy metal. 🎸
yesss. It is now a critical part of the mix.
I wouldn't underestimate Germany's Federal Ministry of Defense. They have eyes and brains.
Shankar, do you see any signs or plans, or prospected investments, into a European version of the Patriot System?
Because apart from intel gathering, that's the one building block that's missing from a European arsenal, it appears to me...
Nope.
None.
Not a single SAMP/T has been ordered—absolutely stunning. It makes me suspect something is off, though I can’t yet see what or where.
The only one ahead is Diehl Defence, the manufacturer of IRIS-T systems. They’ve developed a prototype with up to 80 km range, but we’re still looking at least two years before a true European system is ready.
Until then, we’re stuck with the following setup: handful of Patriots, a layered IRIS-T medium-range setup, and NASAMS for short-range coverage.
"And that should concern anyone who believed Europe had permanently lost its appetite for power."
By concern, you mean Putin? Or those of us who are not altogether happy with a re-arming Germany, especially in the long run. I'd understand both.
Don't get me wrong - we need Germany to win the Ukraine-Russia war (yes, win it), but unfortunately, Germany's re-armament is accompanied by a political instability (the rise of AFD) we also haven't seen in many decades.
History has a way of repeating itself. There is an inevitability about this time frame that frightens me.
A win in Ukraine, even if that means a militarily unleashed Germany? Pfff. Ask me again in a couple of years...
Agree. Both France and Germany have that problem. Knock Putin out, the global right wing will lose one by one and drop out in three election cycles.
AFD owes a lot to Russian disinformation campaigns. It's possible the defeat of Russia will reduce AFD's size.
Is France doing its part?
They play a different role in the current setup. But yes—their support is targeted, and it’s focused on using President Macron’s power.
Yes.
It might be interesting to know more details about each NATO country’s contributions, although my main interest is France,where I live just under half the year.
AI says:
Germany € 28B
France € 15B
UK € 15B
The will to power always scares me a bit. It is so easy for the results to be abused at some future time. For the moment there is no choice. Putin is rumbling too loudly about Azerbaijan and more for anyone to relax. The infusion of extra troops from the East is also troubling.
I curse the U.S. administration for what it is determined to allow to happen in Ukraine. (Not to mention Gaza.)
Once again, the leader of the free world will be a German ( last time, it was Angela Merkel during Trump’s first term)!
Oh. no. Merkel was a disaster. She and Obama and Sorkozy before them, is the exact reason why we are all here.
She was still the leader of the free world during Trump 1!
Unfortunately, Merkel was focused primarily on the German economy and completely missed the dangers posed by a Putin getting ever stronger by holding the EU hostage to cheap energy.
This analysis captures a pivotal moment in Germany’s security and industrial policy. The massive procurement plan is far more than a NATO boost—it’s a strategic revival of Germany’s defense industrial base after decades of decline. By placing large domestic orders, Berlin is breaking the “doom loop” of shrinking production and rising costs, setting the stage for sustained industrial competitiveness and export growth.