The Bundeswehr is not yet able to meet all NATO commitments because it lacks enough combat‑ready tanks for the alliance’s high‑readiness task force. This information comes from a report cited by ZDF, drawing on documents from the German defense ministry.
Internal Bundeswehr communications indicate that the country is falling short of its NATO obligations regarding the international high‑readiness unit known as Pioneer. The messages show specific problems with the readiness of the tank forces assigned to the rapid reaction group, casting doubt on whether the unit can be trusted to respond when needed.
For the Thuringian 393rd tank battalion, which is part of the alliance’s rapid reaction forces, the expectation has been that 30 of its 44 tanks would be on alert in an emergency. A closed report from the 37th Motor Rifle Brigade, quoted by ZDF, reveals that only 20 tanks were combat ready in February and that this number is projected to drop to 14 by July according to the assessment.
Earlier statements from a spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry indicated that there are no concrete plans yet in Germany to supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. The spokesman also noted that Ukrainian tank brigades are awaiting the agreed number of battle‑ready vehicles, highlighting ongoing questions about delivery timelines and what the alliance expects in terms of support.