Boris Pistorius | "Men's shop", but probably no need for conscription

"When people say at the demonstrations that we don't want to go to the front and die in the war, then I can only say: We want exactly the same thing," says Pistorius. However, the Defense Minister wants to continue to arm the system. Photo: dpa/Carsten Koall Berlin. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has expressed confidence that the Bundeswehr can cover its personnel needs even without returning to compulsory military service. The measures anchored in the new Military Service Modernization Act were effective; the Bundeswehr currently has around 190,000 soldiers, its highest level in 13 years, Pistorius told the newspapers of the Funke media group (Saturday editions). "If the course continues, we won't have any problems with growing up." Then there should be "no discussion about compulsory military service, however designed."

Regarding the recent demonstrations by teenagers and young adults, which were also directed against conscription, Pistorius said he had a lot of sympathy for young people who had never had to deal with these questions before and who were now worried about what might happen to them. "But when people say at the demonstrations that we don't want to go to the front and die in the war, then I can only say: We want exactly the same thing." This is precisely why strong armed forces are necessary "that can act as a deterrent so that we don't end up in the situation of having to fight anywhere at all."

The minister announced new efforts to attract more women to serve in the Bundeswehr. In terms of numbers, the armed forces are still a "boy's shop" and that will not change any time soon. There is currently a positive development in applications and hiring of women, said Pistorius. However, the numbers are not yet satisfactory.

Regarding the recent increase in the number of violations of sexual self-determination in the Bundeswehr, Pistorius said: "We are doing everything we can to ensure that such incidents as we have unfortunately had recently are prevented as far as possible through good prevention." If such cases occurred, they would be "punished decisively and uncompromisingly." Around 460 suspected cases last year didn't seem like much at first glance given the size of the Bundeswehr, said Pistorius. But they caused great damage to those affected and brought the Bundeswehr into disrepute. The minister announced that he would present the results of a dark field study on this topic next week.

According to Pistorius, the likelihood of a German naval operation to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz has decreased given the situation in the Gulf region. »An operation would require a safe environment. We don’t have that,” said Pistorius. "The situation has become even more dangerous due to the Houthis' attacks."

The Bundeswehr is still ready, said Pistorius. However, he will soon decide how long the mine-hunting boat “Fulda” and the tender “Rhein” should remain in the eastern Mediterranean. The ships had been relocated there in order to be able to reach the operational area more quickly during a possible international mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pistorius also commented on the end of the German-French air combat system FCAS and announced a fundamental decision on an alternative at the end of March 2027. The SPD politician told the Funke media group that he was very interested in the German aviation industry playing a role. »There are two options on the table - participation in the Global Combat Air program by the British, Italians and Japanese. We are in discussions about that,” said Pistorius. As a second option, Airbus could develop its own project with other European partners for the early 1940s.  AFP/nd

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