What would Clausewitz do if the Russians come? - We don't know. But the traditional information event of the BMVg for the Regional Circle West of the Clausewitz Society, the Bonn Forum of the German Atlantic Society, and the Cologne-Bonn Section of the German Society for Defense Technology inevitably focused on the Russian aggression against Ukraine this year. In place of the Army Inspector General who was unable to participate at short notice, his deputy, Lieutenant General Markus Laubenthal, spoke on the topic of "Turning Point for the Bundeswehr." The Head of Equipment at the Federal Ministry of Defense, Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, presented the current focus areas in armament.
After the welcome from the Head of the Regional Circle West of the Clausewitz Society, retired Lieutenant General Jürgen Ruwe, about 200 knowledgeable spectators in the Moltkesaal first listened to Lieutenant General Laubenthal's explanations on the topic of "Turning Point for the Bundeswehr." He emphasized from the beginning that German support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian aggressor should also be seen as an important aspect of national and alliance defense. For example, the Rapid Equipment Replacement Method for the rapid, demand-based arming of the defenders has proven to be practical. The already delivered German Flakpanzer Gepard has also proven successful, with more of this type on the way. Additionally, support through training, ammunition deliveries, and logistical services is being provided in various areas.
The Deputy GenInsp, Lieutenant General Markus Laubenthal, explained the "Turning Point for the Bundeswehr."
Furthermore, the Bundeswehr is directly addressing the danger posed not only to Ukraine but also to the entire NATO alliance by Russia, for example through the deployment of Patriot air defense systems in Slovakia. Laubenthal also mentioned that the planned fully equipped German Battalion for the eFP Battle Group on the NATO eastern flank is in the process of being established. Initiatives like the Strategic Compass and the ESSI Air Defense Project demonstrate that Germany's focus is on fulfilling its obligations to the EU and NATO, especially since international partners can no longer do without the "Logistics Hub Germany."
Main Tasks of National and Alliance Defense and Tr...Germany's top Bundeswehr supplier, Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, quoted Clausewitz in his emotional speech on the current state of the troops' equipment.
As for the duration of the support for Ukraine in its defense battle, Germany's top supplier appropriately quoted General von Clausewitz: "Wars are ended through negotiations." Accordingly, Ukraine alone must decide when to negotiate peace and subsequently no longer require Western military aid.
Learning to deal with new adversaries.
In the future, the Bundeswehr must also prepare to deal with new adversaries, Stawitzki explained. The USA and various think tanks are predicting a looming confrontation with China in the next 10 to 15 years. Therefore, the capabilities of the Bundeswehr, as a triad of personnel, equipment, and training, must be continuously enhanced. Because capability, according to the Vice Admiral, means effectiveness and combat value. As manpower continues to lose importance for effectiveness, it is important to evaluate unmanned systems and modern technologies in terms of their combat value before procurement. The questions from the audience following the emotional, honest speech of the Navy man strongly focused on the progress of the Ukraine conflict and the lessons that Germany would draw from it. He concluded his remarks with a personal note: "If you ask me - I am firmly convinced that we will ultimately prevail!" The event of the Clausewitz Society was characterized by an open, professional atmosphere, which is only rarely found in the current reporting. The framework and the personalities of the speakers suggest that the society is still deeply anchored in the German Armed Forces and accepted as a forum.
