That means false nostalgia.
Germany’s Merz warns against ‘false nostalgia’ over US alliance – The chancellor’s comments show European leaders are girding for a future in which the transatlantic alliance is no longer the bedrock on which the continent’s defense and economy stand.
“We must face the fact that our relationship with the U.S. is changing, The U.S. is reassessing its interests — and not just since yesterday. And so we in Europe must also adjust our interests, without false nostalgia.”
Duh. Because the Bundeswehr cannot shoot them down.
They don’t have the means.
Russian spy drones over Germany: Why the Bundeswehr cannot shoot them down – Russia uses surveillance drones over eastern Germany to monitor Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. German authorities are struggling to counter these espionage activities.
Russian surveillance drones are conducting reconnaissance flights over eastern Germany to track arms shipments to Ukraine, with over 530 drone sightings recorded in the first three months of this year alone, according to Western intelligence services.
They track the ever-changing routes of European military transports to identify which weapons will soon reach Ukraine, where new war equipment will be delivered, and when new ammunition will arrive at the front.
It’s easy, Germany. You can do it too.
The best part is that there are never any consequences… Right? Even when spending the money you don’t have is never actually spent.
Germany’s borrowing spree plans face a reality check – Investors would be wrong to overstate concerns about a debt surge by the country.
Germany has had an abrupt awakening on the need to increase defence spending. The country enjoyed an oversized peace dividend for years: before the Berlin Wall fell, west Germany spent almost 3 per cent of GDP on defence. In the three decades after 1993 that ratio dropped to around 1.2 per cent annually. Military capabilities fell commensurately.
Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the election of a US president given to venting misgivings about European allies, a hectic scramble has ensued to make up for lost time. As chancellor, Olaf Scholz declared a “Zeitenwende” (or historical turning point) and parliament approved a €100bn debt-financed special fund for defence spending…
Nevertheless, markets would be wrong to overstate the German debt surge. The government’s ambition will probably be thwarted when the plans get in contact with reality. Appropriating borrowing permission is much easier than actually spending it. Scholz’s military special fund is a case in point. Up to April, halfway through its life, only around a quarter of the money has been disbursed.
That means going it alone.
A major pillar of German international policy is to regularly stress how Germany will never again “go it alone.” German politicians then promptly demonstrate the importance of this strategy by going it alone once again.
Germany halts arms exports that Israel can use in Gaza – Germany is to suspend exports of weaponry that could be used in the Gaza Stripbecause of Israel’s plan to expand its operations there – the first time united Germany has acknowledged denying military support to its long-time ally.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s sudden about-turn on Friday followed mounting pressure from the public and his junior coalition partner over the manmade humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel has severely restricted supplies of food and water.
Into defense.
What difference does it make if nobody is interested in defense?
Few Germans willing to take up arms to defend country, survey shows – Nearly 60% of Germans say they are not prepared to defend their homeland with weapons if Germany were attacked militarily.
Only 16% of Germans would “definitely” be willing to defend their country with weapons in case of a military attack, according to a new poll released Monday.
The Forsa Institute survey revealed widespread reluctance among Germans toward military engagement, despite repeated warnings from political and military leaders that the country should prepare for a potential armed conflict.
A clear majority—59%—indicated they would “probably not” or “definitely not” be prepared to defend Germany militarily if attacked. Among women, this reluctance was even higher at 72%.
That means surge.
German armed forces see 28% surge in recruits in NATO defence boost – Germany’s armed forces reported a 28% surge in soldier recruits from January to late July, compared with the same period last year, bolstering plans to boost NATO defences in response to what it sees as an increased threat from Russia.
The Defence Ministry said on Thursday more than 13,700 people had joined the Bundeswehr – the army, air force, navy and other forces – in that period, in what it said was the steepest rise for years.
That means freeloader.
Or free rider, if you prefer.
Germany’s Merz tells BBC Europe was free-riding on US – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accepted US accusations that Europe was doing too little to fund its own defence and security, but now believes they are on the same page.
“We know we have to do more on our own and we have been free-riders in the past,” he told the BBC’s Today Programme, “they’re asking us to do more and we are doing more.”
That means drone killer.
Germany’s Drone Killer in Action: Ukraine Deploys Skynex to Destroy 7 Russian Shaheds Overnight – The Ukrainian Air Force has released footage showcasing the successful operation of the German-made Skynex air defense system against Russian Shahed-type loitering munitions.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force Command on July 12, the Rheinmetall-developed Skynex anti-aircraft artillery complex has demonstrated consistent effectiveness in intercepting enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The time and location of the intercepts were not disclosed, but officials confirmed the system’s performance has met operational expectations.
What a wonderful world it would be.
Royal Navy Submarine Hunters Challenge Norwegians and Germans in Fjord Showdown – Exercise Green Eel tests cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare tactics in Norway’s challenging waters.
For two weeks, Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 helicopters from the United Kingdom took on Norwegian and German submarines in a complex underwater intelligence battle in Norway’s fjords. The mission was part of the international exercise Green Eel, which brought together naval forces from the UK, Norway, and Germany.
That means cathedral.
Dome, on the hand, means dome.
Germany seeks Israeli partnership on cyber defence – Germany is aiming to establish a joint German-Israeli cyber research centre and deepen collaboration between the two countries’ intelligence and security agencies, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has said…
According to Bild, Dobrindt outlined a five-point plan aimed at establishing what he called a “Cyber Dome”, as part of Germany’s cyber defence strategy.
Earlier on Sunday, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder called for the acquisition of 2,000 interceptor missiles to equip Germany with an “Iron Dome” system similar to Israel’s short-range missile defence technology.
Observing Hermann 