Germany has begun serious preparations for war with Russia — mass media

Germany has begun serious preparations for war with Russia. This is reported by Bloomberg.

According to the agency, the country is preparing the civilian infrastructure for a possible war, despite the lack of funds in the Bundeswehr budget.

A large-scale modernization worth € 1.35 billion has started in the port of Bremerhaven. After completing the work, the port will be able to receive and load Leopard tanks weighing up to 60 tons. As public funds are limited, local authorities are making every effort to attract private investment in this project.

It is the largest automobile port in Europe, located on the North Sea coast. Source of funding: the state budget for 2026. The main goal is not to expand civilian exports of cars (Mercedes-Benz, VW), but to strengthen the infrastructure for military logistics. Key technical change: strengthening loading platforms to withstand the weight of 60-ton Leopard tanks and other heavy military equipment.

This allows the port to be used not only for commercial, but also for military transportation, ensuring the rapid transfer of equipment to potential front lines in the event of a conflict.

The modernization is part of a broader strategy described in the secret document of the German Ministry of Defense "Operationsplan Germany" (Operationsplan Deutschland).

Germany is positioned as the alliance's main logistics hub in Europe. Its central geographical location and developed industry are critically important for the supply of troops.

Assessment of the intelligence services of Germany and the allies of Russia calls the "largest and most immediate threat" to the security of Germany. Secret services record an increase in hybrid attacks (cyber attacks, sabotage) on infrastructure.

The plan assumes that in the event of a conflict, Russia will try by any means (including sabotage and strikes on bridges/railway junctions) to impede or prevent the transfer of NATO forces through Germany.

Thus, the preparation of the port is a direct reaction to the need to ensure the smooth operation of the "transport gate" in a potential military crisis.

Financing difficulties and the role of the private sector

Despite its strategic importance, the implementation of the project faces financial difficulties. The military itself does not have enough resources to pull this infrastructure load. The authorities are actively trying to attract business (Public-Private Partnership). Logistics companies are involved in the negotiations, in particular BLG Logistics, which already operates in Bremerhaven. Matthias Magnor, CEO of BLG Logistics, called this investment a "turning point", noting that the company is in active and positive negotiations with the authorities.

Related problems

Upgrading one port is only part of the picture. Bloomberg analysts and experts are paying attention to a systemic problem.

Port facilities are just the beginning. The general transport network of Germany is in a deplorable state. About 5,000 bridges require urgent repairs, and roads and railways are not ready for the rapid movement of huge columns of heavy equipment.

There is a gradual blurring of the line between civilian and military logistics. Business is increasingly involved in defense tasks, which requires changes in legislation and simplification of bureaucratic procedures (now interaction is complicated by the lack of direct contacts and bureaucracy).