Germany: Security

Germany's security landscape in March was shaped by regional tensions and domestic defense developments. The Bundeswehr faces a severe personnel shortage, with its structures criticized as ineffective, even as it experiences a significant rise in applications. Domestically, a Berlin court sentenced four members of a Hamas cell for stockpiling weapons, highlighting ongoing terrorist threats. In the industrial sector, Rheinmetall reported record sales driven by European defense spending, while Volkswagen is in discussions to produce Iron Dome components, signaling a potential shift toward defense manufacturing.

Internationally, German officials expressed reluctance to be drawn into the Iran conflict, refusing to participate in military strikes or deploy to the Strait of Hormuz. This stance persists despite Iranian attacks on bases in Jordan and Iraq where Bundeswehr troops are stationed, raising questions about Germany's exposure. Concurrently, Germany is preparing a new package of Patriot missiles for Ukraine, where a shortage persists. Separately, the U.S. is in talks to shift some Patriot systems to the Middle East, a region where a U.S.-operated Patriot was likely used to intercept an Iranian drone over Bahrain, causing civilian injuries.

Training cooperation continues, with Ukrainian military advisors set to help train the German army against a potential Russian attack by 2029. This follows public friction after Rheinmetall's CEO made dismissive comments about Ukrainian drone capabilities, which drew a sarcastic rebuke from President Zelenskyy.