Germany’s Defense Ministry has confirmed a significant theft involving thousands of rounds of ammunition intended for the country’s armed forces. That last one happened last week, with the ammunition apparently stolen from a trailer contractor parked overnight. This worrisome incident brings to mind questions not only about Berlin’s security but about the ongoing plight of Germany’s still-struggling military.
The German military announced that some 20,000 rounds of ammunition had gone missing from one such recent transport. This tragic episode highlights a growing pattern of lost ammunition across the country. Germany has since been rocked by a series of lost munitions incidents earlier this year. One particularly striking example was the alleged disappearance of 90 rounds from a police station in Saxony-Anhalt. None of these previous losses came close in size to the $124 million that was stolen from last week’s theft.
Germany is currently among the most important suppliers of ammunition to Ukraine. With the war blazing in the region, this support is especially critical to combat and deter violent extremism. Inspired by the urgency of Ukraine’s needs, as demand for military supplies continues to grow, Germany has moved to shore up its own defense capabilities. The coalition government reacted to this urgency by introducing a new bill. They intend to increase Germany’s military strength from currently 180,000 soldiers to 260,000 by 2035. This plan calls for 200,000 more reservists to be among them.
The theft of such a large quantity of ammunition raises serious concerns about security and accountability within the military supply chain. In an unusual statement, a spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry underscored how serious this situation is.
“This kind of ammunition must not fall into the wrong hands,” – German Defense Ministry spokesperson.
The spokesperson further detailed that the ammunition was taken “from the trailer of the civilian carrier’s transport vehicle, which had been parked overnight.”
Germany has been trying to overcome its hurt national psyche about military interventions and military spending. Despite recent efforts to enhance military readiness, the country has faced criticism for its historically sluggish investment in defense capabilities. In late August, Rheinmetall launched what the company touted as Europe’s largest ammunition plant. This decision further underscores the increasing demand for ammunition today and continues to spotlight the persistent issues caused by continued security and supply challenges.
On the home front, Germany is in the midst of a historic military build-up and strengthening its military logistic footprint. Yet the recent theft underscores grave vulnerabilities in its defense infrastructure. We understand that the government is committed to ensuring that national security is protected and international responsibilities are maintained. This continued focus is doubly important as it remains key to Ukraine’s continuing support.
