The hot phase of the large-scale exercise “Quadriga 2024” began on Monday. This will increase the visibility of the Bundeswehr in the coming weeks – and with it the restrictions for the general public. “In the coming weeks we will expect a lot from the population,” said Carsten Breuer, Inspector General of the Bundeswehr. It’s getting louder and more crowded on Germany’s rails and roads. “More camouflage on the highway, an unusual sight for many,” that is at least a turning point in military times for Breuer. With Quadriga, the Bundeswehr is taking part in the major NATO exercise “Steadfast Defender”. It is considered the Allies’ largest military exercise since the end of the Cold War. During the “Grand Quadriga” exercise, which lasts until the end of May, soldiers from the 10th Armored Division of the Bundeswehr and combat vehicles will be relocated to Lithuania.
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 alarmed the allies. They now have one goal in common: deterrence against Russia. In order to prepare for an emergency, the Bundeswehr must do one thing: “Practice, practice and practice again,” said Inspector General Carsten Breuer at a press conference in Berlin. “We practice marching and transporting forces from all German army divisions by road, rail, sea and air.” In addition, Germany is in the heart of Europe, the logistical hub of the exercise – “de facto all roads lead through Germany.” That’s why he wants to sensitize the population right from the start: “The exercise will have an influence and impact on everyday life in Germany.” As part of the “National Guardian” homeland security exercise, reservists are also taking part in the major NATO exercise. They protect defense-relevant infrastructure nationwide.
The exercise scenario: an attack by Russia on NATO alliance territory
Bundeswehr Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank emphasized that the focus of the ongoing large-scale exercise is on the rapid relocation of large units of troops. Forces from all NATO countries are to be transferred to the eastern flank. “We have to prepare for defense here.” The exercise scenario: an attack by Russia on alliance territory. According to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, such an attack would be considered an attack on all partner countries. The so-called alliance case would be declared. Russia criticizes the large-scale maneuver and accuses the alliance of destabilizing the world situation.
A total of 90,000 soldiers from the 32 NATO member states are taking part in “Steadfast Defender”. More than 12,000 of them are soldiers from Germany. 3,000 vehicles and 300 Bundeswehr aircraft are involved. For the German road and rail network, this means that military vehicles will have to be transported and long columns of military trucks from different nations will be traveling on the roads at low speeds. Not an easy maneuver. After all, the German road network is not always state-of-the-art. This is one of the reasons why the Bundeswehr has defined corridors in advance on which vehicles can travel.
Carsten Breuer adds that efforts are being made not to hinder passenger traffic. Deutsche Bahn sends an inquiry South German newspaperWhether and what impact the exercise will have on train traffic remains unanswered for safety reasons. A spokeswoman for Deutsche Bahn said they generally do not comment on military exercises. It’s not just Deutsche Bahn that is concerned about the security of the armed forces. “There is greater vulnerability if you are not behind barracks fences but on the street,” says General Carsten Breuer. The soldiers were made aware of the issue of security. Risk awareness has increased, not least due to the arrest of two suspected Russian spies who are said to have prepared acts of sabotage in Germany on behalf of Russia. “We have a close network with the security authorities, i.e. with the police, but also with our military police,” said Breuer.