Bundeswehr commander believes Russia could attack NATO in 2029 or even sooner

Inspector of the German Army Christian Freuding has stated that Germany must prepare for a Russian attack by 2029 or even earlier.

As reported by Politico, Freuding noted that there is broad consensus among allies that Russia could attack NATO territory before the end of this decade.

"2029 is not a German timeline. It's NATO-agreed intelligence. All 32 NATO partners agree that Russia might have the capability to invade a NATO partner country in 2029," he said.

Freuding warned, however, that Russia could act earlier, despite the war in Ukraine entering its fifth year and Kyiv reporting that Moscow has sustained over 1.3 million casualties and lost vast quantities of equipment.

"We have to be prepared ... We must be ready to fight," Freuding said at the ILA Berlin Air Show.

The inspector's remarks came amid warnings from European defence officials that Russia could rebuild sufficient military power within the next few years to pose a direct conventional threat to NATO territory, despite its losses in Ukraine.

The year 2029 has become a benchmark for defence planners by which Europe must address urgent gaps in readiness, production, and military capability. The general's remarks underline concerns that Moscow could test the Alliance while Europe is still in the process of rearming.

This urgency is also shaping the debate in Germany on weapons procurement and defence industry capacity. Freuding noted that Berlin had already done "a lot" to accelerate procurement and that industry had increased its production capacity. He warned, however, that Germany cannot rely solely on long-term weapons programmes, the development and introduction of which can take years.

"Speed is of the essence now," Freuding said.

He added that for some systems still under development, Germany needs "intermediate solutions" to bridge the gap between what the army currently has and what it needs for combat readiness.

"We must improve our capabilities for the 'fight tonight' every day as the German army," he said, referring to the Bundeswehr's transition to a high-readiness force designed to deter potential Russian aggression.

Danish Chief of Defence Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard stated in March that European countries are not yet fully prepared for war.

The Estonian intelligence agency is confident that Russia does not intend to launch a military attack on any NATO state this year or next but will continue to rebuild its armed forces.