Berlin's objective for 2025 is to possess the most technologically advanced NATO army division in Europe

Germany's Army Chief, Alfons Mais, expressed confidence that the nation would possess the most advanced army division among its European NATO allies by 2025. This determination comes as countries are urgently bolstering their military capabilities following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Presently, Berlin lacks a single combat-ready division, which typically comprises over 20,000 troops. However, the plan is to have the first of three divisions operational by 2025, with the second division following suit in 2027.

Mais conveyed his optimism, stating that the division for 2025 would initially be staffed with 80% to 90% of the required personnel, and these plans were agreed upon with NATO.

Germany's approach involves providing two mechanized brigades initially, followed by a more lightly armed medium brigade, with additional support from a Dutch brigade. Each brigade consists of approximately 5,000 troops. The goal is to collaborate with Dutch partners and establish the best equipped division among all European NATO members by 2025.

Divisions serve as the fundamental building blocks of land forces, essential for handling conflicts with peer adversaries. Western nations, having focused on smaller wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, have been neglecting, dismantling, and depleting the weapons and ammunition of their divisions.

Mais acknowledged the challenge of supplying enough ammunition to the division by 2025, given that Western countries are providing substantial ammunition to Kyiv, further depleting already low stocks since the end of the Cold War. He emphasized that this was a common problem faced by all NATO partners.

Despite the urgency in establishing the division, supporting Ukraine remains a top priority, as emphasized by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Regarding the second German division, scheduled to be combat-ready in 2027, its full equipping depends significantly on purchases from the 100 billion euro special fund, which aims to modernize the long-neglected German military. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's announcement of a "Zeitenwende" (historical turning point) after Russia's invasion of Ukraine signified a major shift in policy, leading to the establishment of this special fund.