Germany will triple the number of troops in NATO exercises to keep Russia in check
In 2018, three times more military personnel from Germany will take part in NATO exercises to contain Russia, reported Spiegel Online, citing as a source a statement from the German Ministry of Defense.
Plans are for 12,000 German soldiers to participate in the exercises on the eastern and northern flanks of NATO.
The cost for the German military to participate in the exercises will be €90 million. In 2017, 4,000 Bundeswehr soldiers participated in the NATO exercises.
In particular, 8,000 German troops will take part in Trident Juncture maneuvers, which will be one of the largest exercises conducted by NATO in recent years. A total of 30,000 to 40,000 troops will participate.
Additionally, in its statement, the German Defense Ministry denied reports that the Bundeswehr will not be able to fully participate in NATO’s rapid reaction “spearhead force” because German soldiers are not equipped with enough bullet-proof vests, winter uniforms and tents.