The annexation of the Crimea by Russia prompted the German Armed Forces to evaluate their position as a powerful military force inside central Europe. It became apparent that Germany needed to strengthen its mechanized forces in order to become a credible military force, capable of rapid intervention when needed.
A first observation was the very low amount of main battle tanks (MBT) that Germany has. At the end of the Cold War West-Germany alone had more than 3.500 MBTs. Today, Germany can count on only 225 tanks, most of them had to be shared between several military units. Compensating or this all-time low the Germany Ministry of Defence (MoD) agreed to increase the total tank strength up to 328 MBTs.
By increasing the total tank strength with 103 MBTs, Germany hopes that it can create an armed force that is fully equipped and capable of a rapid reaction in times of a crisis.
Germany is also to receive a new infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), the PUMA. This new IFV will be equipped with a 30mm MK 30-2 cannon and can transport up to 6 soldiers. Authorisation to equip the German Army with the IFV PUMA was given on April 13, 2015. Training with the new vehicles will begin shortly and it is expected that the first vehicles will be ready to serve in the German mechanized units within three months.
Arms sale to Lithuania
Aside from increasing the mechanized strength of the German Army, Germany also considering to deliver new weapon systems to Lithuania.
During a meeting in Vilnius at April 15 the German minister of Defence gave a positive response on Lithuania’s demand to buy 12 PzH 2000 155mm self-propelled howitzers as well as 8x8 Boxer armoured personnel carriers (APCs). Negotiations will be held in May where the final decision will be made.
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| PzH 2000 155mm self-propelled howitzers |
Lithuania is already been concerned for some years about a possible Russian invasion of the country. As such it has been seeking means to increase its military power in order to create a credible deterrence. A s most of the terrain in Lithuania favours the use of mechanized forces it comes as no surprise that Lithuania seeks to buy self-propelled howitzers and APCs.
Lithuania prefers to buy German military equipment on the grounds that it is in the best interests of the Armed Forces. As German and Lithuanian soldiers regularly train with each other it becomes important that both nations use similar weaponry.
