Advancing Armored Vehicles in Germany
Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, Commander of the German Army, shared his vision for the future of armored vehicles in an interview with The Economist, stressing the urgent need to upgrade the Bundeswehr. He argued that tanks should evolve into command hubs for drones and robots, and identified five critical areas where Germany must expand its military capabilities.
Core Priorities for Military Development
General Freuding highlighted the following key development areas:
- Indirect fire capabilities, including artillery and loitering munitions that can strike targets at ranges up to 1,000 km and tactical depths of 100–300 km.
- Counter-drone systems and air defense.
- Electronic warfare.
- Integration of unmanned systems into the armed forces.
- Development of command-and-control systems powered by artificial intelligence.
Freuding dismissed the term 'obsolete systems,' emphasizing the importance of adapting cutting-edge technologies. He stressed that tanks are not only for close combat and direct fire but must also serve as command centers to manage unmanned systems.
“The tank must become a kind of command center, a sort of mothership,” said Lieutenant General Christian Freuding.
At the same time, Freuding noted that humans still make decisions on the battlefield. 'Ultimately, it is always a physical experience,' he emphasized. However, he also pointed out that a fully unmanned battlefield will not emerge, as 'we need a soldier with a rifle.' He believes the human factor remains crucial in many situations, though he added: 'I don’t think this can continue to be a task for humans. You are too slow for that.'
Freuding underscored that an effective military requires a digital 'backbone' to collect and process data using artificial intelligence. He called for decisions to develop new systems in Germany as soon as possible, stressing that timely action in these areas is critical for the army’s future.
The ideas put forward by Lieutenant General Freuding reflect a broader trend toward integrating advanced technologies into military operations, a shift that is especially relevant given modern threats. Modernizing the German army with a focus on unmanned systems and AI could significantly alter combat tactics, which in turn will demand new approaches to training and preparing soldiers.
As Germany seeks to modernize its military capabilities, it's essential to consider the challenges faced by neighboring countries. For instance, a recent analysis has revealed significant vulnerabilities in Poland's military, particularly highlighted by experiences from the Ukraine conflict. Understanding these key issues in Poland's defense can provide valuable insights into the broader regional security landscape and the necessity for robust military reforms.