Few things better symbolize radical change in Germany’s foreign policy than to see their leopard tanks permanently parked on the border with Russia. What seemed unthinkable just a few years ago, today is a reality that marks the new role of Germany in Europe and on the global stage.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on February 24, 2022, German foreign policy has taken an unprecedented turn. The conflict has not only extended a war that many in Moscow thought it would last three days, but also caused the awakening of A Germany until then reluctant to the military muscle.
Zeitenwende: The German turning point
The Foreign Minister Olaf Scholz said clearly a few days after the war began: “Zeitenwende”a German word that can be translated as turning point. And it was. Germany abandoned its dependence on Russian gas, endured the economic impact, and launched one of the Greater Rearme programs since 1945.
Among the expected acquisitions are F-35 combat aircraftEurofighter fighters, Puls, submarines and modernization of systems such as the Taurus missile. But the most symbolic has been the deployment of the 45th armored brigadea combat unit that will be permanently based on Lithuaniavery close to the Russian border.
Germany leads on the NATO eastern flank
For the first time in 80 years, German troops will be implemented indefinitely outside the country. And they do it under the UTAN umbrella. Berlin leads him Allied battle group in Lithuanialike France he does it in Romania, consolidating his role as military power within the Atlantic Alliance.
It is estimated that the German presence will reach The 5,000 soldiers in 2027although there are currently about 2,000 troops on Baltic soil. Next to them, CV90 combat vehicles, Self-propelled artillery SPGH-M77 Dana and the dreaded Leopard 2A6one of the most advanced armored ones in the world.
A clear message to Moscow
“Germany has crossed the Rubicón and has been released“, summarizes the specialized media Defense Romania. Moscow not only faces a prolonged war in Ukraine, but also a Most united and more militarized Europe. And at the center of that transformation is a Germany that, finally, He has aroused his long strategic lethargy.
This new panorama redefines the European geopolitical balance and launches an unequivocal message: Germany is ready to lead, not only economically, but also in the military field.