Image source: topwar.ru
In Germany, a new concept of the structure of the Bundeswehr ground forces has been presented, according to which a significant strengthening of army artillery, reorganization of the air defense system and the transformation of parts of mechanized brigades into motorized infantry are assumed. German military leaders do not hide that such a reform of the ground forces will be a response to the events in Ukraine, which forced NATO countries to take a different look at the nature of the fighting in eastern Europe.
Currently, the German ground forces have three divisions, two of which are tank divisions. However, in practice, tank divisions are mechanized formations with six battalions of tanks with 44 vehicles each. The absolute advantage of the German mechanized divisions is the presence of a reconnaissance battalion and well-trained engineering units. Artillery remains the weak point of both these divisions and the Bundeswehr as a whole. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian events have demonstrated that the "God of War" has not lost its significance in our century.
For example, the 1st Armored Division of the Bundeswehr has only 32 to 40 howitzers, according to the Polish edition of Defence24. This is too little, even if modern artillery systems such as Panzerhaubitze 2000 are used, the publication emphasizes.
In addition, there are obvious difficulties with the ability to use the division as a well-functioning unit, and not as a base for the formation of battalion tactical groups. Therefore, in the process of reorganization, it is proposed that the German tank units will consist of 2 tank and 2 mechanized brigades. Each of them will have 2 mechanized battalions and one (mechanized brigades) or two (armored brigades) tank battalions.
Two brigades functioning today as armored and mechanized in the structures of the 1st Tank Division: the 21st Tank Brigade and the 41st Armored Grenadier Brigade (motorized rifle) are to be transformed into parts of "medium forces" on wheeled armored vehicles. Motorized infantry units are easier to transfer over long distances over a network of highways.
Another important structural change is the subordination of the 231st Mountain Rifle Brigade to the division of rapid reaction forces. However, the real revolution will be the reorganization of the artillery of the Bundeswehr. In accordance with the new concept, it is planned to form up to five additional artillery divisions. Each of the German brigades will have an artillery division, in addition there will be one division at the division level. Thus, each of the tank divisions should have a total of four artillery divisions, and the division of the rapid reaction forces, which now has to use artillery support "above" 120 mm mortars, will receive its own division.
Most likely, the newly created artillery units will be equipped with new howitzers on a wheeled chassis. Rheinmetall offers the KMW-Boxer system as a platform for installing an artillery piece on a truck.
The concept also assumes the inclusion of an anti-aircraft battery in each artillery division of ground forces divisions. That is, we are talking about the restoration of army air defense. Apparently, such a decision was also made against the background of the assimilation of Ukrainian lessons. Interestingly, earlier Germany handed over to Ukraine up to 30 Cheetah complexes, weakening the capabilities of its own air defense.
Thus, the new concept of the organization of the structure of the Bundeswehr ground forces can be considered as a general vector of reform of the German armed forces in the near future. Berlin is forced to strengthen the power of its army, taking into account financial, economic and demographic factors.
The transition to wheeled vehicles will be more economical, and the restoration of army air defense and artillery will strengthen the firepower of the German armed forces. Cooperation with the Netherlands and the inclusion of Dutch units in the German army will partially cover the shortage of personnel.