Security expert Ischinger warns of the withdrawal of the US atomic bombs from Germany

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Bundeswehr jet fighter in Büchel (Rhineland-Palatinate), where US nuclear weapons are stationed

Photo: Harald Tittel / dpa

It is estimated that 20 US atomic bombs are still stationed at the Büchel Air Force Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, which are to be dropped by Bundeswehr fighter jets in an emergency.

Both the party and parliamentary group leadership of the SPD and the Greens have campaigned for the withdrawal of these nuclear weapons in the past.

This would mean that Germany would withdraw from NATO's nuclear deterrent.

The issue will play a role in the coalition negotiations.

However, security expert Wolfgang Ischinger warns against questioning German participation in NATO's nuclear deterrent.

With a view to the ongoing coalition negotiations between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP, the head of the Munich Security Conference told the dpa news agency that a withdrawal of the US atomic bombs from Germany would have serious consequences for security in Europe.

"In terms of security policy, we will pull the rug from under the Poles' feet if Germany pulls out of nuclear deterrence," said Ischinger.

Topic causes trouble in outgoing government

Poland could then insist on the stationing of atomic bombs on its territory, he warned.

"An active Polish role in NATO's nuclear deterrent would in turn have consequences in Moscow that I don't even want to think about," said Ischinger.

“My guess is that the consequences would be disastrous.

NATO would move even closer to Russia in terms of nuclear power. ”Far too little thought is given in the German discussion.

SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich had criticized statements made by the outgoing Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (CDU) last weekend, who had admitted German participation in NATO's nuclear deterrent.

He accused her of turning the "escalation screw" with Russia.

jok / dpa