As of: January 26, 2024, 6:15 p.m
By: Bedrettin Bölükbasi
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Tank transport on rails.
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In the event of a war in Europe, logistical preparations are likely to be central to NATO's combat readiness.
Former US General Hodges complains about the German rail network.
Berlin - Especially since Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin began the war in Ukraine, there have been constant fears that Ukraine could not be over for Russia and that the Kremlin could directly attack NATO territory.
Many European countries - including Germany - are arming themselves to be prepared against the danger.
The logistics of the individual countries also play a critical role in the rapid transport of military equipment in an emergency.
NATO logistics: Ex-US general criticizes Germany's rail network
According to former US General Ben Hodges, logistics in Germany are looking very bad.
According to the German Press Agency (dpa), at a Bundeswehr symposium on Germany's new defense plan on Thursday (January 25), Hodges recalled that the German infrastructure - highways, bridges and railway tracks - would be expanded for fast transport as early as 2018 to have called for larger quantities of heavy weapon systems and tanks.
There aren't enough trains for military transportation, Hodges said.
“Today there is capacity to transport one and a half armored brigades, I believe.
In total.
That's all," the ex-general emphasized, adding: "And all our plans require moving eight, nine or ten armored brigades in Europe at the same time."
The defect is not a fault of Deutsche Bahn, but a fault of the government.
In order to prevent war, you have to demonstrate that you are ready for it, explained the former commander of the US armed forces in Europe.
Hodges encouraged Germany to accept risks and mistakes as they move forward.
NATO without the will to win?
“This is the biggest danger for us”
Hodges also expressed doubts about the will of the Western allies to win in supporting Ukraine against the Russian war of aggression.
The year 2024 will be a year of industrial struggle, he said.
“The Russians are realizing that they cannot bring Ukraine down.
Ukraine cannot – at the moment – bring Russia to the ground,” emphasized the ex-general.
There is now a race to see whether Russia or the Western allies can ramp up their industry and produce ammunition more quickly.
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“We know from history that war is a test of will and a test of logistics.
“There is no doubt that Ukrainians have a superior will,” he admitted.
“Do Berlin, Washington, do we have a will that is superior to the Kremlin?
At the moment I'm not sure.
“That is the biggest danger for us,” warned Hodges at the same time.
Deterrence needs go beyond weapons and soldiers, he said.
The necessary logistics must function under the rules of peace if a state uses this as a deterrent and the alliance wants to take these steps before an armed conflict, Hodges continued.
(bb/dpa)