Nuclear deterrence: Ischinger warns of the withdrawal of US atomic bombs from Germany

Nuclear deterrence
Ischinger warns of the withdrawal of the US atomic bombs from Germany

Security expert Wolfgang Ischinger has warned against questioning German participation in NATO’s nuclear deterrent.

With a view to the ongoing coalition negotiations between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP, the head of the Munich Security Conference told the German Press Agency that a withdrawal of the US atomic bombs from Germany would have serious consequences for security in Europe: “We are pulling the rug off the Poles in terms of security policy underfoot when Germany pulls out of nuclear deterrence. “

Poland could then insist on the stationing of atomic bombs on its territory, warned Ischinger. “An active Polish role in NATO’s nuclear deterrent would in turn have consequences in Moscow that I don’t even want to think about,” he said. “My guess is that the consequences would be catastrophic. NATO would move even closer to Russia in terms of nuclear power. ” Far too little thought is given in the German discussion.

The SPD and the Greens are campaigning for withdrawal

It is estimated that 20 US atomic bombs are still stationed at the Büchel Air Force Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, which are to be dropped by Bundeswehr fighter jets in an emergency. Both the party and parliamentary group leadership of the SPD and the Greens have campaigned for the withdrawal of these nuclear weapons in the past. This would mean that Germany would withdraw from NATO’s nuclear deterrent. The issue will play a role in the coalition negotiations.

SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich had criticized statements made by the outgoing Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (CDU) last weekend, who had admitted German participation in NATO’s nuclear deterrent. He accused her of turning the «escalation screw» with Russia.

dpa