German military chief defends planned high military expenditure

German Armed Forces Chief Inspector Carsten Breuer has justified the significantly increasing defence expenditure for Germany.

The discussed spending amounting to 3.5% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) is not unfounded, the highest-ranking soldier of the Bundeswehr told the news magazine Der Spiegel in remarks published on Friday.

"It is clearly derived from a significant threat posed by Russia. We must arm ourselves against this danger, both as the Bundeswehr and as a NATO member," Breuer said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be deterred by a percentage figure, Breuer further stated. It is about growing capabilities, reasonable equipment, "combat-ready units and soldiers" who could be alerted at any time.

"To be able to achieve this, the target of well over 3% is very realistic," Breuer said. Combat readiness means for the armed forces that they are ready for deployment in terms of materiel and personnel, he explained.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently stated that the federal government agrees with the target presented by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP and to provide an additional 1.5% for militarily necessary infrastructure.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius mentioned a period of five to seven years in which the 3.5% could be achieved.

"We must become the engine of deterrence in Europe," said Breuer. He defended his warning that Russia could be ready by 2029 to turn against NATO states as well.