Key facts
- Germany's army faces a critical shortage of spare parts for key military equipment.
- Only about half of PzH 2000 howitzers, Marder infantry vehicles, and Boxer carriers were operational as of May.
- HIL, responsible for repairs, warns that combat readiness rates could drop to 30% for certain equipment.
- A lack of long-term supply contracts makes obtaining spare parts difficult.
- The Defense Ministry is accused of prioritizing short-term repair demands over long-term readiness.
Germany's army is reportedly facing a critical shortage of spare parts, threatening its operational capabilities and ability to maintain key military equipment. According to reports citing internal documents from HIL, the state-owned company responsible for much of the Bundeswehr's repairs, only about half of the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and Boxer armored personnel carriers were operational as of May. The remaining equipment is reportedly stuck in lengthy maintenance cycles. HIL executives warned that the combat readiness rate for certain equipment could drop to as low as 30% after military exercises. The company's reports indicate that the lack of long-term supply contracts makes obtaining sufficient spare parts "nearly impossible," potentially leading to permanent limitations in the operational readiness of "essential weapon systems." The Defense Ministry is accused of prioritizing short-term repair demands that yield quick, observable effects. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government is pursuing a significant military buildup, citing an alleged Russian threat, despite warnings from the German Central Bank about record budget deficits.