Early Access: German Rearmament -Is it going wrong?
Added 2022-12-24 18:46:06 +0000 UTC
Ok, I got to admit...it's not a 'Christmasy' subject but the video is done, so it goes into early access. In this video, I look at the German rearmament process and the lack of progress on procuring ammunition for the Bundeswehr to use. Although €100bn have been set aside to get the German Armed Forces to their nominal strength, estimates assume that up to €20bn are required just to be in line with NATO stockpile guidelines. It's a monumental task, so let me take you through the current developments.
Since today is the 24th December, it's Christmas where I am from. Merry Christmas (and regional equivalent) to you all, have a fantastic holiday, and a successful start into 2023! Thank you so much for the support!
P.S.: Remember, there are a whole bunch of videos still in early access for your viewing pleasure! Amongst them are:
How Ukraine took Drones to the Next Level https://youtu.be/Yl3V2nEb1ck
- The Ukrainian-Russian war has resulted in much discussion on the tactical and operational use of drones (UAV & RPA) but where does Ukraine's capabilities come from? Join Chris as he talks to Dr. Julia Muravska about the impact of the 2014 conflict on Ukraine's emerging drone industry, the current developments in terms of R&D and construction, as well as further potential of collaboration with NATO and the EU.
The Arctic goes hot: Chances for escalation https://youtu.be/JlxiDYPaywY
- Between growing tensions with Russia, the emergence of China as a self-declared Arctic protagonist, the vulnerability of data cables and the thawing of the ice as part of global warning, the Arctic is a theater that provides some real challenges to NATO. Join Chris as he talks to Arun Dawson (PhD Student, King's College London) about the Arctic.
Heads in sand? Why Western Air Power is so SLOW to changehttps://youtu.be/deibquob5bA
- How do Air Forces stay future proof and prepare for a future conflict if its experiences lie in the past. From internal and external barriers to change, shifting the focus and maintaining consistency in its decisions is a critical challenge that all branches of the military struggle with. Join Chris as he talks to Dr. Sophy Antrobus (Research Fellow with the Freeman Air and Space Institute) about this challenge and about the ways it is being tackled.
Air Power: What MUST change? Spreadsheet logic vs Resilience https://youtu.be/8fLBK-hGmcs
- After more than two decades of peace in Europe and complete air superiority in its foreign deployments, western air forces now confront the possibility of a renewed peer-to-peer adversary. How has this period of peace impacted Air Forces, what are the main problems on recruitment, platform-centricity and focusing on efficiency over resilience and flexibility? Join Chris as he talks to Dr. Sophy Antrobus (Research Fellow with the Freeman Air and Space Institute) about the current challenges facing western Air Forces.
Why the Russian Air Industry is Kaput: https://youtu.be/Rfw36TxC2Ks
- The Russian Air Industry keeps (or kept) on pushing new concepts and prototypes, but what do we find below the the public bling-bling? Join Chris as he talks to independent analyst Stanimir Dobrev on the state of the Russian air industry.
All the best Chris
What's German for "D'oh!"?
Minion
2022-12-26 13:01:38 +0000 UTC
Hey Chris, thanks for the new video and discussion of Germany's defense procurement process, such as it is. There's a lot to process and digest.
One issue that perhaps should be a larger priority for the German government is the commitment of materiel to Ukraine. If one accepts that it is not in Germany's interest that Russia triumph, then perhaps in the short term, re-equipping the German military should be done in coordination with its support for Ukraine.
As many have noted, the intensity and duration of the war is expending resources at a staggering, even unsustainable rate. It's not clear that even Russia can continue this tempo indefinitely, but to offset its stockpile of weapons and ammunition, Ukraine may need resources comparable to what was projected for a NATO-Warsaw Pact conflict. Accordingly, Germany should try to determine what it is willing to contribute to that effort and factor the associated expenditures into its rebuilding plan.
Sean Tyson
2022-12-24 23:01:49 +0000 UTC
Thanks Ashley!
Military Aviation History
2022-12-24 20:25:32 +0000 UTC
Amazing amount if content Chris! Happy Christmas. Thanks for all your hard work producing great content.
Ashley Woods
2022-12-24 18:48:43 +0000 UTC