History of the Luftwaffe. German Air Force - general information

The predecessor of the Luftwaffe is the "Imperial Air Force" (German). Luftstreitkräfte) were organized in, with the advent of military aviation. After Germany's defeat in World War I, under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles (1919), it was prohibited from having its own military and civil aviation. However, in 1922, the ban on civil aviation was lifted with some restrictions. Interest in military aviation in the state was very great, so it was created under the guise of aviation circles and other civilian formations.

Structural organization and designation

IN pre-war years Germany was divided into air districts (German. Luftkreiskommando), to the commanders of which all air force formations on their territory were subordinate.
Commander-in-Chief of the German Air Force (German) Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe ) in the period from March 1935 to April 1945 was Hermann Goering, who at the same time headed the Reich Ministry of Aviation. The latter managed the aviation industry, civil aviation and aviation sports organizations.
Initially, two leadership headquarters were created in the Luftwaffe: the General Staff (German. Generalstabes der Luftwaffe) and General Staff (German) Luftwaffenfuhrungsstabes). In the spring of 1942 they were united into the Luftwaffe High Command (German). Oberkommando der Luftwaffe- OKL).
By 1939 there was organizational structure(developed by Goering and Milch) of the Luftwaffe, which remained throughout the Second World War.

Fleets

The highest operational unit in the Luftwaffe was the air fleet (German. Luftflotte). Initially, the Luftwaffe had three air fleets with areas of responsibility in Germany. After the seizure of territories neighboring countries at the beginning of World War II there were five air fleets. In addition to them, one (6th) fleet was formed in 1943, and two more fleets (10th and Reich fleet) in 1944. During 1940-45. Each of the fleets operated in a specific theater of military operations. The overall responsibilities of the air fleets were as follows:

  • 1st Air Fleet: northern flank of the Eastern Front, demoted to command of Luftwaffe "Courland" at the end of February 1945;
  • 2nd Air Fleet: from 1940-1942 the central sector of the Eastern Front, from 1942 in the Mediterranean, in September 1944 transferred its functions to the commander of the Luftwaffe in Italy;
  • 3rd Air Fleet: controlled the territory of Germany and France, in September 1944 it was transformed into the Luftwaffe West Command, which became part of the Reich Air Fleet;
  • 4th Air Fleet: southern flank of the Eastern Front, on April 14, 1945, reorganized into the 4th Luftwaffe Command, included in the 6th Air Fleet;
  • 5th Air Fleet: Northern Theater of Operations, including Norway and Finland, transferred its functions to the Luftwaffe Commander in Norway in September 1944;
  • 6th Air Fleet: central sector of the Eastern Front;
  • air fleet "Reich": German air defense.

In addition to this, in different time there were Luftwaffe commands independent of the fleets; for example, the Luftwaffe South-East command controlled Yugoslavia, Albania and Greece in May-October 1944.

  • communication units, airfield service units and construction since 1935
  • anti-aircraft artillery units since 1935

as of December 1944, 816,200 people;

  • parachute units- since 1936, parachute battalion (German) Fallschirmshutzen Bataillon)

formed as part of the regiment "General Goering" (German. Regiment "General Goring"), subordinate personally to Hermann Goering, in 1938 became the core of the 7th Air Division (German. Flieger Division); before April 1945, 11 air (parachute) divisions were formed;

  • infantry units from January 1942

the first Luftwaffe infantry battalions of ground personnel were formed in January 1942 during the Battle of Moscow to protect the Luftwaffe infrastructure from partisans and Red Army landings, but were disbanded before December 1942; Since October 1942, due to heavy losses of the Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front, the formation of regular field divisions of the Luftwaffe (German) begins. Luftwaffe Field Division), and until May 1943, 21 Luftwaffe field (infantry) divisions were created; in November 1943 they came (except for anti-aircraft units) under the control of the Land Armed Forces (German. Heer);

  • motorized division "Hermann Goering" from September 1943

The Second World War

The situation at the beginning of World War II

Beginning of World War II

With tactical superiority and ground fire support, military aviation made a major contribution to Germany's early successes.
The Luftwaffe's aircraft at the beginning of World War II were more modern than those of their opponents, and the pilots could perform complex maneuvers.
Thus, the Wehrmacht captured Poland, Norway, Denmark, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands and, finally, France by June 1940.

The first defeat of the Luftwaffe under the command of Hermann Goering suffered in the Battle of Britain against Fighter Command Royal Air Force. Fighters like the Messerschmitt Bf-110C and Bf-100D could not effectively protect the bombers. It was obvious that offensive air combat was not for the Bf-110, but the insufficient range of the single-engine Bf-109 forced the Bf-110 to be used to cover bombers. These fighters, designed for long-distance flights, turned out to be inferior to the maneuverable British aircraft. And even though the tactics of the RAF fighters were inferior to those of the German fighters, the most advanced airborne detection system in the world allowed the British to send a numerically superior number of fighters to any point in England with a 4-minute delay, even to the south-eastern part of the country, accessible within a radius actions of Bf-109.

Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain was one of the largest and longest air battles of the Second World War, lasting from July 1940 to May.
Carried out by the 2nd and 3rd Air Fleets, based along the Atlantic coast from Denmark to Bordeaux in France, and long-range aviation 5th Air Fleet in Norway, which diverted part of British fighter aircraft to the northeast of the country. The interim goals of the company, as a result of the lack of unity of opinion among the Reich military command, remained unclear throughout its entire duration, as a result of which the forces of the air fleets were scattered to solve several tasks at once (strikes on airfields, combating shipping, destruction of the aviation industry, destruction of port infrastructure, exhaustion British fighter aircraft, etc.), and not one of them was completed. At the beginning of the company (July 20), the 2nd and 3rd Air Fleets had the following forces: 8 long-range reconnaissance bombers, 1200 medium bombers (of which 69% were serviceable, including 90 bombers/reconnaissance aircraft), 280 dive bombers, 760 single-engine fighters, 220 twin-engine fighters, 50 long-range reconnaissance aircraft, 90 short-range reconnaissance aircraft. The strike forces of the 5th Air Fleet included: 130 medium bombers, 30 twin-engine fighters, 30 long-range reconnaissance aircraft. By October, the three fleets had about 700 combat-ready bombers. In October-November, 40 bombers and 54 fighter aircraft of the Italian Air Force took part in the operation. Initially they were opposed by 675 Royal Air Force fighters, later up to 1000. More than 200 bombers initially took part in the bombing of Luftwaffe infrastructure and German territory.

After gaining air supremacy, it was planned to begin an amphibious landing operation in England. Despite the fact that on August 23, intelligence established that the RAF was using bomber pilots to make up for the losses of fighter pilots, the operation against the forces of the British Fighter Command was unexpectedly stopped, and the main forces of Luftwaffe fighters were sent to escort the bombers that were attacking on orders. Hitler's "retaliation strikes" (for the bombing of Berlin and the surrounding area) on major cities Great Britain.

During fierce air battles, the British Royal Air Force repelled the Luftwaffe's attempts to gain air supremacy, destroying the British Air Force, destroying industry and infrastructure, demoralizing the population and thereby forcing Great Britain to conclude a peace favorable to Germany. The characteristics of Luftwaffe aircraft, primarily fighters, turned out to be unsuitable for solving many strategic problems and gaining sustainable air superiority: the Me-110 was unable to conduct maneuverable battles with the Hurricanes and Spitfires of the Royal Air Force, and the Me-109 did not have enough range. The ill-considered actions prevented any irreversible damage from being caused to Great Britain's military potential.

After making a decision

On September 21, 1940, an order was given to photograph a strip of USSR territory to a depth of 300 km. The following month, reconnaissance aircraft from the Aufkl.Gr.(F)Ob.d.L (long-range high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft of the Luftwaffe High Command), under the command of Oberst Theo Rovel, began flying from Krakow and Budapest, while the Aufkl.Gr.(H) Ob.d.L (tactical reconnaissance group of the Luftwaffe High Command) carried out flights from the territory of Romania and East Prussia. The He 111, Do 215В-2, Ju 86Р and Ju 88 В were used. Operating at altitudes of 9000-12000 meters, these reconnaissance aircraft initially photographed the border areas, but in the absence of opposition (Stalin forbade fighters to intercept intruder aircraft), they penetrated deeper and deeper, and in February 1941 they reached the Murmansk - Moscow - Rostov-on-Don line. These data served as the key to success in initial stage invasions. On April 15, one Junkers landed near Vinnitsa in bad weather, and the crew was arrested.

Luftwaffe against the Red Army Air Force. Beginning of the End

The German air attack on June 22, 1941, due to constant provocations, was not a complete surprise for the personnel of the Soviet Air Force, which cannot be said about the superior People's Commissariat of Defense. Even at dawn on June 22, after the bombing began, radiograms confirmed the orders: “don’t give in to provocations, don’t shoot down single German planes,” and the order to disperse the planes to field airfields and camouflage came only on the eve of June 22, but it was already too late . Because of this, Luftwaffe pilots worked on concentrations of aircraft on open airfields and on infrastructure as training purposes, without any opposition, thanks to which they immediately managed to deprive many flying units of the Red Army Air Force from combat readiness and disrupt the already fragile coordination (due to the underdevelopment of radio communications) of the units’ actions and their management.

Together with the Luftwaffe, the Romanian Air Force began the war with the USSR. The Finnish Air Force joined the Luftwaffe on June 25 (the Luftwaffe had been using Finnish territory since June 22), the Hungarian Air Force on June 27, Italian pilots from the Expeditionary Force in Russia (83 combat aircraft) in mid-July, and the Croatian Air Force in November. Hundreds of Soviet aircraft were destroyed in the first days of the war. Most of the planes were destroyed on the ground, but the pilots were not injured; this was one of the reasons for the rapid restoration of the Soviet Air Force.

German commanders are unanimous in their views on the effect of a massive air strike in the first days of the war. The attack was well prepared and successfully carried out. German Bf 109 fighter escorts attacked the airfields along with dive bombers and destroyed many Soviet aircraft on the ground. Some of the few Soviet fighters that managed to take off were shot down on or immediately after takeoff.

It is impossible not to pay attention to the German method of counting downed vehicles using film-photo machine guns: if the route was along the plane, it was believed that the pilot had won, although often the vehicle remained in service. There are thousands of cases where damaged aircraft returned to airfields. When the film-photo machine guns failed, the score was kept by the pilot himself. Western researchers often use the phrase “according to the pilot.” For example, Hartmann stated that on August 24, 1944 he shot down 6 planes in one combat mission, but there is no evidence of this.

The German air force, the Luftwaffe, is sometimes compared to the mythical Phoenix, killed in a fire and reborn from the ashes young and renewed. After the First World War, which ended in defeat for Germany, the Entente countries were given 5,000 fully combat-ready German aircraft to destroy. The German Imperial Air Force ceased to exist. Moreover, in the future Germany was prohibited from having military aircraft. One of the articles of the Treaty of Versailles stated: “Germany should not have its own air force, either on land or at sea”. However, the revival of German aviation began almost immediately after its death, as Germany managed to preserve the aviation industry. Many aircraft manufacturing companies have switched to producing light sports and passenger aircraft. Some firms, such as Junkers, Heinkel and Dornier, managed to survive thanks to orders for aircraft from the Soviet Union.

The training of flight personnel was gradually improved. Already in 1926, according to the Paris Aviation Agreement, the German ground forces and navy were allowed to train 36 sports pilots(at the same time, everyone understood what tasks they would face). Soon after this, the Entente states agreed to study in German schools pilots civil aviation . Germany again provided significant assistance in the combat training of these pilots. Soviet Union, which provided an airfield in the Lipetsk area in 1925 for the creation of a German aviation school. Over the eight years of its existence, officially called the 4th Aviation Detachment of the 40th Aviation Squadron of the Red Army Air Force, 120 fighter pilots and about 100 observer pilots were trained or retrained here. Among them were many future generals and aces of the Luftwaffe. However, the main purpose of this aviation school was to develop the tactics of aviation combat operations and its interaction with ground forces.

With A. Hitler coming to power, all enterprises that could be used for the development of aircraft manufacturing were placed under the control of the newly created German Ministry of Aviation. The construction of airfields was carried out at a rapid pace, flight and aviation technical schools were created, and the formation of the first aviation units began. The German Air Force - Luftwaffe - already existed (basic structures) by March 1, 1935, when Hitler decided to take off his disguise and announced their creation. Field Marshal General and then Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering became the head of the Luftwaffe. At his disposal was the Ministry of Aviation, which included the headquarters of the air force and departments: administrative and financial, civil aviation, air defense, personnel, educational institutions, technical and special supplies. In addition, there were several organizations controlled by the Ministry of Aviation: the National Socialist Flying Corps, the Imperial Air Defense Union, the joint-stock company of air services Lufthansa with its foreign branches, as well as the Aviation Research Society.

To equip aviation units with equipment before the Second World War, a powerful aviation industry was created in Germany, which was represented by 29 companies with 20 aircraft and 13 engine factories, as well as 31 factories supplying components. Already in pre-war times, these factories employed up to 190 thousand workers. Reconstructed and newly built enterprises aviation industry Germany were distinguished by the latest equipment, high level of technology and mechanization of all main production processes. During the war, the production capabilities of the German aircraft industry increased many times over, both due to the construction of new factories on the territory of Germany itself, and through the involvement of enterprises in the occupied countries in the production of aircraft.

Numerous competitions and records became a favorite pastime of designers and pilots: for the fastest flight, for the longest flight, for the most impossible flight, for crossing the English Channel and many others. These competitions, often founded by aristocrats in love with a new endeavor, usually promised fame and significant prize money. The civilian public showed great interest in both the planes and the pilots. The famous German pilot Ernst Udet, who later created Luftwaffe of the Third Reich. Airplanes became more reliable, faster and more carrying capacity. This did not go unnoticed by military experts, and the relevant departments in different countries began to finance some aviation competitions, while formulating their requirements for the designs of the contenders. As a result, without much fuss or financial expense, civilian design bureaus little by little began to create aircraft that could later be easily reconstructed into combat ones. It was planned to install slightly larger cockpit canopies on the fuselages and mount weapons. The technique, which later became standard, of installing the barrel of a heavy machine gun or aircraft cannon in the camber of the engine cylinders inside the shaft on which the propeller was mounted, was invented just in the interwar period.

German aviation before World War II, main tasks

However, the main function of aircraft was still considered reconnaissance or counteraction. Even air bombing was perceived as a beautiful, but ineffective exotica. Only the Spanish Civil War in 1936-1939. brought significant changes to this state of affairs. The rebel putschists, led by General Franco, initially had rather small forces and could not seriously count on the success of the military coup. However, the putsch had a pronounced anti-communist character, which made it possible to win over fascist Germany, which was in humiliating political and economic isolation after defeat in the First World War. Hitler, who by that time had become Reich Chancellor, sent the Condor volunteer air squadron, equipped with Junkers transport aircraft, to help Franco. This is what decided the outcome of the civil war. The German Junkers organized an air bridge between Spain and Africa and in a matter of days transferred almost 50,000 infantrymen from Morocco to help the putschists.

In addition, then Hitler ordered the latest German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters to be sent to Spain.

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 aircraft was very different from the mass-produced aircraft of that time. It featured a fully enclosed canopy, which significantly reduced air resistance and increased flight speed. Structurally new fighter It was a monoplane, which improved visibility. Some elements of passive pilot protection were tested on it. In particular, the seat had armor protection and protected the pilot from fire from below and from behind. In addition, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 was equipped with a walkie-talkie, which made it possible to control aircraft from the ground, as well as to control the aircraft in air combat much more conveniently and efficiently. The newest Messerschmitts were so superior to Republican aviation that they created real terror in the skies of Spain. Having quickly defeated the enemy in the air, they even began to fire at enemy ground positions and achieved noticeable success in this. As a result, General Franco won a victory, and the Luftwaffe gained invaluable combat and tactical experience in the use of modern aviation, which made it possible to reconsider its role in military operations.

The experience of the war in Spain had a decisive influence on the entire future fate air force. Experts from many countries argued desperately, but in the end they agreed that Military aircraft have reached the point where they can become the decisive means to achieve victory. True, fundamental disputes about the methods of using this tool continued for quite a long time. One of the new methods was proposed by General Douhet. In his opinion, victory in the war of the future could be achieved at the cost of extremely insignificant losses. If we recall the experience of the First World War, then it is enough to erect a powerful defensive line, behind which the troops should be deployed. While the enemy storms the fortifications to no avail and with heavy losses, a powerful air fleet of heavy bombers and high-speed fighters will destroy the industrial centers of the aggressor in massive raids, thereby completely undermining its power. And when the enemy is exhausted, it will be possible to launch a decisive offensive, which will end in unconditional victory. However, this seemingly beautiful idea was embodied by the French during the construction of a defensive line of fortifications on the Franco-German border, called the Maginot Line.

In Great Britain, considering the Spanish experience, they believed that aircraft were needed solely to neutralize enemy aircraft, preferably at home airfields. Meanwhile, the infantry, reinforced by slow-moving “infantry” tanks, will inflict a decisive defeat on the enemy on land. Thus, the British view was to simplify combat operations by reducing the role of air power. From the point of view of the German General Staff, modern means armed struggle has reached a level of development that will help completely eliminate long-term confrontation between armies. The war was supposed to be lightning fast, fleeting, almost bloodless, and, of course, victorious.

Currently, there is a lot of talk about the fact that the NATO army is constantly increasing its forces and preparing for joint military operations with the United States against Russia. In order to understand what real force the NATO army represents, one should consider in detail the German army, as the strongest in this alliance.

For getting full picture the state of affairs in the German army as of 2017, it is necessary to consider in detail all types of troops that make up its composition.

German ground forces

As in any other army in the world, the main force German army are the Ground Forces. Their total number significantly exceeds the number of all other types of troops of the German army. As of 2017, the German Ground Forces consist of the following units:

  • 4 NATO “rapid deployment” corps: “Eurocorps”, NATO AK BR, German-Dutch corps and German-Danish-Polish corps;
  • 5 operational groups that are located in the Alliance army corps: French, Spanish, Italian Turkish and Greek corps;
  • 5 divisions and a number of different units and units;
  • Various tank divisions and brigades;
  • Mountain infantry and motorized infantry brigades;
  • Airborne brigades;
  • Helicopter regiments, which include fire support helicopter regiments and light transport helicopter regiments.

At first glance, the size and composition of the German Ground Forces in 2017 are quite impressive. Moreover, numerous international exercises have proven that modern detachments in their combat power and capabilities are twice as large as the detachments of the 70-80s, which had the same number. It turns out that the 5 divisions that exist in 2017 can replace the 11 divisions of previous years. However, recent events in Iraq have shown the fallacy of these judgments. Firepower is, of course, good, but it is the infantry that must carry out operations to clear the territory. This is where its insufficient numbers come into play.

Despite the loud words that are spoken to the world media, the military command is well aware that the number of Ground Forces is insufficient. That is why even the official document on Germany’s military development directly states that the German army is intended for peacekeeping operations, as well as for localizing low-intensity conflicts. The main emphasis is on the fact that the German army will act as part of a coalition of forces.

Although in 2017 many Germans are still convinced that Russia should tremble at the mere sight of the sign of the German army, judging by the “successes” of the Ground Forces in Iraq, only one thing can be said: the Bundeswehr army can compete on equal terms only with third world countries, yes and then with quite small ones. German military doctrine does not provide for any global wars, and the latest terrorist attacks in Europe show that the NATO army is not able to restore order even in its homeland.

Civil society in Germany believes that although the army is an obligatory attribute of a solid state, it can be significantly reduced. A serious reduction in the German army began after the abolition of compulsory military service in 2011. Since then, the entire German army has been made up of contract soldiers. The prestige of military service in the Ground Forces can be evidenced by the fact that almost 10% of vacancies in the army are open. There is a major shortage of doctors and qualified service personnel complex systems protection and weapons.

If 20 years ago the Germans were considered the best soldiers in Europe and even civilians were ready to happily serve in the army, now even professional German contract soldiers treat their service as an ordinary job. Although the contract details the duties of military personnel in the event of war, few take them seriously. If some major military conflict occurred, all German Ground forces will be in complete confusion, since the real combat experience the army doesn't.

According to statistics, many German military personnel are on various operations in hot spots of the world, so either rear units or headquarters workers remained. Despite US pressure, Germany stubbornly avoids participating in operations that could turn into infantry battles. For example, the Bundeswehr does not want to openly oppose IS in Syria and Iraq.

Armament and composition of the German Ground Forces

If we take official statistics, the armament of the Bundeswehr Ground Forces looks quite impressive:

  • The total number of tanks is 1095 units;
  • Various field guns and MLRS – 644;
  • 2,563 armored vehicles;
  • 146 combat helicopters.

The picture is quite encouraging, but this is only at first glance. In fact, in reality everything is somewhat different. If you look at the situation with German tanks, you can see that the main German tank is the Leopard of various modifications.

Of the total number of “paper” tanks, tanks of the “Leopard-2” modifications account for 685 units. The remaining tanks are Leopard-1, which are mostly dismantled for metal or used as targets at training grounds. Although the development program includes the purchase of the latest modification of Leopards, in reality the fleet renewal is proceeding very slowly. The military budget is becoming smaller and smaller from year to year. There are no more than 100 of the newest Leopards in the German army. If you look at the total number of tanks that are quite modern today, you will get no more than 500 units, and half of them will be quite outdated modifications of the A5.

Looking at the real numbers, it becomes clear that the hopes of the NATO member countries to protect the German armada of tanks in the event of a global war are, to put it mildly, exaggerated.

Light armored vehicles of the German army

The Bundeswehr's approach to modernizing light armored vehicles is interesting. Although local operations require just such equipment, because sending tanks on missions to eliminate small outbreaks is unprofitable, and the maneuverability of tanks is limited. The modern fleet of light armored vehicles in Germany is represented by the obsolete Marder infantry fighting vehicles, which began to enter service with the German army back in 1961, although even then this process lasted almost 10 years. The first modernization of the Marders began only in September 1979. The upgraded models received the index "A-1" and received an additional Milan anti-tank missile launcher, which was installed on the turret on the right side.

In 1985, when the “Marders” were presented in three modifications (from “A-1” to “A-3”), development of a new modification “Marder-2” began. With the start of development of Marder-2, the production of previous modifications was completely curtailed. Since during these years military funding began to gradually decline, the development of the new Marder lasted for 6 years.

The first Marder-2 vehicle was shown on September 17, 1991. Its testing continued until 1998, and as a result of the fact that its production turned out to be too expensive, it was completely abandoned, practically “burying” many years of work. Until now, Marder-1 is the main infantry fighting vehicle of the German army. Due to the fact that even its latest modifications were released more than 30 years ago, their number is decreasing from year to year, as they are gradually dismantled for spare parts. As a result of this, out of 1581 Marders that are in service, no more than 350 units remain on the move.

Since the need to adopt a new infantry fighting vehicle has been around for a long time, a new vehicle was developed and put into service - the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. In 2016, the Bundeswehr was supposed to purchase about 400 new vehicles, but in fact, not a single such infantry fighting vehicle was purchased.

It turns out that in terms of ensuring infantry mobility and fire cover, the Bundeswehr army is provided only with wheeled armored personnel carriers and vehicles:

  • 430 TpZ-1 "Fuchs";
  • 359 "Wiesel";
  • 51 "Boxer".

Although about 1,500 pieces of American obsolete M-113 infantry fighting vehicles should be stored in the Bundeswehr army warehouses, nothing has been reported about them since 1995. Most likely, they have long been dismantled for scrap.

In total, 1,130 armored personnel carriers remain, although more than 300 of them are “Viesels”, which are absolutely not intended for transporting infantry. The remaining quantity is about 800 pieces. In order to understand whether this is a lot or a little, we will show some interesting statistics. Ukraine lost approximately 800 armored personnel carriers of various modifications in 2014, so there is no need to fear that the German army has a powerful base of light armored vehicles. The army, which has not participated in military conflicts for more than 60 years, is severely out of touch with reality.

German artillery at present

German artillery also came under massive reduction. About 650 guns, mortars and MLRS were removed from service. To replace outdated technology, Germany began to develop the latest weapons systems. Taking their cue from the Americans, the Germans developed systems that made it possible to significantly increase firepower, even with large-scale reductions.

German designers have developed the PzH2000 self-propelled gun, which is considered one of the best combat vehicles in its class. The PzH2000 self-propelled artillery mount has the following tactical and technical characteristics:

  • This gun provides targeted coverage of a target at a distance of 30 kilometers, while it fires 3 shots in 9.2 seconds;
  • 8 shots fired in 51.4 seconds;
  • 20 shots - in 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

As a result of constant improvements and upgrades, German designers were able to increase the rate of fire of this gun to 59.74 seconds - 12 shots and 1 minute 47 seconds - 20 shots.

This self-propelled artillery unit is capable of reliably protecting its crew from small arms fire with a caliber of up to 14.5 mm and any artillery and mortar fragments. There is reactive armor that covers the top of the installation, protecting the crew from aircraft bombs and artillery shells.

Of course, the PzH2000 self-propelled gun is one of the best systems of this type in the world. It is for this reason that it completely replaced all systems of similar types from the German army. It seems that everything is fine in the artillery of the German army, if not for one problem: their total number does not exceed 180 units.

In addition to the PzH2000 self-propelled guns, the German Ground Forces have no more than 130 self-propelled mortars of 120 and 100 mm caliber. Military experts will definitely pay attention to the fact that the Bundeswehr army has a very small number of mortars with a caliber of less than 120 mm. These tasks should be solved by army aviation, since the military command believes that batteries of such weapons are not capable of quickly changing their location and will not bring any benefit in a real battle, therefore NATO’s main bet is in similar issues- These are combat attack helicopters.

Army aviation and air defense of the Bundeswehr

As for the Bundeswehr army aviation, it includes the following types of helicopters:

  • 38 powerful Tiger attack helicopters. Although the Bundeswehr's immediate plans included the purchase of another 20 units of such equipment, budget cuts are unlikely to contribute to their implementation;
  • 118 VO-105 light attack helicopters, which can also be used as multi-purpose helicopters. Another 24 helicopters of this model are in storage, but it is unknown what condition they are in. Given the Army's old habit of dismantling Army equipment, it is unlikely that they are in combat condition;
  • 93 CH-53G transport helicopters;
  • 93 multi-role UH-1D and 39 EC-135 units;
  • The most modern helicopters are 77 NH-90 units.

If all these helicopters are in combat condition, then the position of the Bundeswehr army aviation is quite stable.

The army air defense system is represented by 50 units of the Ocelot air defense system, which in fact are nothing more than 4 Stinger MANPADS launchers, which are installed on the chassis of the Wiesel combat vehicle. There is no need to say that the Stingers are quite outdated weapons in modern realities, although during battles with a technically backward enemy they pose a significant threat to targets located at low altitudes.

German Air Force

The Luftwaffe includes Central Command and Operational Command. Since Germany does not have its own training bases for training cadets, all German Air Force pilots are trained in the United States of America.

The basis of the German air force are the following aircraft:

  • Most main force The German Air Force operates Typhoon fighter-bombers. When their production was first planned, the Air Force planned to purchase only 250 aircraft, but in the end, today there are only 97 of them, if you count them together with training aircraft. The global reduction in the army also affected the German air force, so the air force command had to somewhat moderate its appetites;
  • Second in importance, but first in total number are the Tornado bombers, which have been modernized. Their total number is 144 units. The modernization was carried out in order to make it possible to leave the Tornado in service with the German Air Force until 2025. IN future plans They want to completely replace them with Typhoons. However, since the Typhoons are in short supply even in their “fighter” category, we can hardly expect a replacement for the Tornado by 2025;
  • Due to the acute shortage of combat aircraft, the German Air Force is still in service with the F-4F Phantom 2, which began production back in 1961. These aircraft are also planned to be replaced by Typhoons by 2020.

Based on the data presented, the strike aviation of the German Air Force should be about 200 aircraft by 2029. For comparison, we can say that Russia has about 3,500 aircraft in service that can be used for military purposes. therefore, German military aviation does not pose any significant threat to Russia.

The transport aviation of the German Air Force does not exceed 100 aircraft, which are not even able to ensure the landing of an entire brigade of paratroopers, and you can immediately forget about supplying it with ammunition and provisions.

The air defense of the German Air Force includes no more than 18 batteries of the Patriot air defense system.

German Army Navy

The German Navy, even in the face of military budget cuts, is sufficiently equipped and modern. At the same time, it is not able to solve any serious combat missions, since it is quite budget-friendly. Its tasks include solving local problems, such as coastal protection or intelligence activities.

It should be noted that military shipbuilding in Germany is one of the most modern in the world, and warships and submarines are being bought up by various countries with great pleasure. Despite the high prices of submarines (about $330 million for a Type 212 in the “base”), they are in stable demand and bring constant income to the German economy.

Judging by the new German warships that are being built, they are clearly planning to place some new and powerful weapons on them.

Naval aviation navy Germany also does not represent a significant force and is represented by the following types of equipment:

  • 8 R-3C Orion aircraft, which are designed to combat submarines;
  • 3 patrol Do-228;
  • 43 helicopters of the Sea King and Super Lynx models.

Judging by the state of military shipbuilding in Germany, in the event of a large-scale military conflict, Germany will be able to acquire a powerful military fleet in a short time.

What army can Germany field on the battlefield?

Now we need to face the truth and honestly answer the question, how much military equipment can Germany put on the battlefield? Judging by the information above, not so much. The command of the German army is also well aware of this, so it divided the entire army into several levels of readiness (3 levels).

The most “combat ready” units of the German army consist of no more than 8,500 people. This is exactly the amount that can be collected in as soon as possible, in case of a surprise attack. Units of the second level (Operational Engagement Group) can be brought into combat readiness in 40-50 days. Units of the third level (group of Joint Forces) are brought to full readiness in 180-200 days.

A reasonable question arises: who will hold back the enemy’s onslaught for 6 months, until all the military forces of Germany gather? Such a long-term defense can only be maintained against savages armed with rifles, machine guns and Molotov cocktails. It is obvious that Germany really hopes for US help in the event of a serious conflict in Europe.

In addition to the insufficient efficiency of the German army, the state of military equipment raises serious questions. About 70 percent of total number combat vehicles are undergoing repairs, the deadlines for which are exceeded many times over, since spare parts are often not available. The 2014 exercises became significant, when fighters from the Franco-German brigade had to use Mercedes Vitos instead of armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles.

Things are not going well in aviation either. Transport aircraft constantly break down, pilots cannot fly the required number of hours, which negatively affects their flying skills.

Although NATO standards indicate the need to spend 2% of the country's GDP on the army, Germany is constantly lowering this bar. By the end of 2017, they plan to lower it to 1.1 or 1.05%.

Although some alarmists see behind the impotence of the German army a cunning maneuver to hide its true capabilities, in fact there is no need to fear a large-scale campaign by the NATO army to the East. Europe is now unable to cope with emigrants, so talk about military threat from Germany - nothing more than empty words.

February 21st, 2015
German Air Force
The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) includes Operational Command and Central Command (both located in Cologne). The Operational Command has three air divisions (1st, 2nd, 4th).

- 1st Air Division includes: 32nd Fighter-Bomber and 74th Fighter Squadron, 5th SAM Squadron, 1st Special Transport Group, 61st and 62nd Transport Squadrons, 1st Control and Communications Regiment , Tactical Training Command in Italy;

The 2nd Air Division includes: the 31st and 33rd Fighter-Bomber and 73rd Fighter Squadrons, the 2nd SAM Squadron, the 3rd Control and Communications Regiment;

The 4th air division includes: the 71st fighter, 51st reconnaissance, 63rd transport squadron, 1st missile defense squadron, 2nd and 4th control and communications regiments, a separate regiment "Friesland" for guarding Air Force facilities.

The German Air Force does not have its own training units. The training of cadets is carried out in the USA at an American technical base.

German Air Force Typhoon fighter-bomber (Jagdgeschwader 74)

The main striking force of the Luftwaffe is the Typhoon fighter-bombers. Initially, in 1986 it was planned to have 250 of them, but later the plans were reduced several times. Thus, to date, the Air Force has received only 97 vehicles (including 24 combat training) of this type.


Fighter-bomber Tornado IDS German Air Force

In addition to them, 144 Tornado bombers, upgraded to the ASSTA 2.0 standard, are attack aircraft. It is expected that this will allow the modernized vehicles to remain in service until 2025. However, it was also assumed that all of them should be replaced by Typhoons, but they were not purchased even to the extent of the needs of fighter and fighter-bomber squadrons.

McDonnell Douglas F-4F Phantom II German Air Force

So, 40 very ancient F-4F Phantom 2 fighter-bombers have still not been removed from the Luftwaffe's arsenal. Another 9 Tornados and 3 Phantoms are in storage in Germany itself, and 1 and 15, respectively, are additionally stored at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in the USA. In the future, by 2020, all F-4Fs are expected to be written off, and the number of Tornados, including those in storage, is expected to be reduced to 85 units. Thus, in the near future, Germany's attack aircraft will amount to approximately 180 - 200 aircraft.

Military transport aircraft Transall C-160 German Air Force

Transport aviation in Germany includes 2 A-319, 2 A-340, 6 A-310 (including 4 air tankers), 73 C-160. Experts recognize the current capabilities of transport aviation as clearly insufficient to solve the problems it faces. It is not able to ensure the landing of even one airborne brigade and ensure its supply for at least 30 days of active combat operations.


SAM Patriot German Air Force

Ground-based air defense includes 18 batteries of Patriot air defense systems (eight launchers each, four missiles per launcher).

German Navy
The German Navy (Bundesmarine) today is a well-balanced and technically advanced, but very low-cost and purely local fleet of about 50 pennants. Military doctrine The country's navy does not provide for any serious tasks other than coastal defense and assistance to allies in multinational forces. It is assumed that only the United States and, perhaps, Great Britain will seriously fight at sea. The Budnesmarine's job is to help with reconnaissance and control of the Baltic Sea. Maybe assign a couple of frigates to escort the convoys.

However, it should be noted that Germany has retained a powerful and advanced shipbuilding industry, which continues to produce some of the best naval weapons in the world. For example, German non-nuclear submarines (now there are no longer diesel engines in the submarine fleet, all submarines are either nuclear or have climate-independent power plants, for example, fuel cells) of the Type 209 project were purchased by the Navy of India, Greece, Turkey, South Korea, Venezuela... In total - 14 countries of the world. Over the past 14 years alone, Germany has built and successfully sold 12 non-nuclear submarines Type 212 and Type 214. Despite the relatively high cost (for example, the price of one Type 214 submarine is $330 million “in the basic configuration”) they are being dismantled in Germany like hot ones pies.

Project 212 submarine

However, Germany's own fleet consists of only 4 Type 212 submarines. Another 2 boats are under construction. Plus 13 frigates of different types: 6 old ones, the Bremen type; 4 very modern, Brandenburg type; 3 newest ones, type "Sachsen". On January 29, 2015, the 4th Sachsen-class frigate Project F125 - Rhineland-Palatinate - was laid down in Germany. Reportedly, later, after the sale of 2 frigates "Bremen" already withdrawn from the state for scrapping, more than early years buildings and ships of this type in service will also be excluded from the fleet lists.

3D model of the F125 frigate

What is worth paying attention to here? In essence, the frigate of the F125 project is like not quite a frigate. With a displacement of 7,200 tons, this is more of a normal destroyer. However, in terms of armament, it looks more like an empty platform for naval weapons, which may appear in the future. For a ship of this size, one 127-mm universal cannon, two helicopters, a pair of RIM-116 units and 27-mm close-range machine guns are nothing at all. The presence of standard 8 Harpoon anti-ship missiles does not change the situation much. Most likely, the main weapons will appear later, but its composition is still completely unknown.

But they were probably up to something there. For just ten years ago, the Germans built three excellent frigates (project F124 Sachsen, Saxony), whose capabilities make it possible to include them in the naval missile defense system. The powerful Thales SMART-L radar, which allows tracking targets in low Earth orbits, and 32 launch silos for interceptor missiles and conventional anti-aircraft missiles. All this and much more (for example, a multifunctional APAR radar with four active phased arrays) fit into a hull with a total displacement of “only” 5800 tons.

Frigate project F124 Sachsen, Saxony

In addition to frigates, the Bundesmarine has 5 Braunschweig-class corvettes, 8 Gepard-class missile boats (2 more Gepards and 2 older Albatross are in storage) and 20 minesweepers (10 Project 332, 5 Project 333, 5 Ave. 352).

Obsolete Bremen-class frigate

Naval aviation includes eight P-3C Orion anti-submarine aircraft, three Do-228 patrol aircraft, 43 helicopters (21 Sea King, 22 Super Lynx).

Fly in the ointment
Now it’s worth looking at what of all of the above can be put on the battlefield “if something happens.” As it turns out, not so much. Realizing the impossibility of maintaining the same high degree readiness of its entire army, Germany divided it into three levels according to readiness periods and, in general, intended purpose.

The most combat-ready units are formally part of NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force or VJTF. Their total number is planned at 30 thousand people. Including due to the forces of the 26th Airborne Brigade of the Bundeswehr. It turns out that, together with the forces already involved in international operations, the total number of the “most combat-ready” units is approximately 8.5 thousand people. Of which, about 5 thousand soldiers and officers are stationed directly in Germany.

Bundeswehr Airborne Forces

The next category is units classified as Operational Engagement. They include the 1st Tank and Airmobile Divisions, as well as the German part of the joint Franco-German brigade (two battalions). It is officially stated that the staffing level of the listed units in peacetime is 75% of the staff. These units can be brought into full readiness within 40-50 days from the receipt of the relevant order. The current number of operational deployment units is up to 8 - 10 thousand people.

Bundeswehr exercises

Everything else is consolidated into the Joint Support Forces group. In fact, the Germans are creating an old, still Soviet, system of cropped units. For example, the 10th included here tank division it is such only in name. Apart from two brigades, deployed at 45 - 50% of the staff, and the headquarters base, which is also not full, there are no other divisional units and subunits in the division. More precisely, their property is stored in warehouses, and the personnel will be formed from reservists called up for mobilization. Parts of the Joint Support Forces can be brought to full readiness no earlier than 180 - 200 days. Here the first important question arises - will the Operational Deployment units be able to hold the front for these 6-7 months?

Well, the most important thing. In September 2014, the Bundestag Defense Committee held a closed meeting. At it, the Bundeswehr command presented a report on current state material and technical base of the German army. As Chief Inspector Volker Wicker later reported, parliamentarians were presented with a register of military equipment in service with Germany. A simple three-color scheme was used. Similar to a traffic light. It turned out that, for example, Boxer armored personnel carriers are marked in red. Of the 180 available, only 70 are operational. The remaining 110 are under repair. to varying degrees difficulties. Moreover, there are not enough spare parts to carry it out. Almost everywhere, the standard deadlines for work are hopelessly exceeded. The situation is no better in army aviation. For example, out of 31 Tiger helicopters, only 10 are suitable for flight, and out of 33 NH90 helicopters, only 8 are suitable for flight.

Helicopter NH-90

In addition to purely technical ones, the lack of funding and the lack of necessary spare parts are already having a negative impact on educational process. In 2014, due to a shortage of infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, German soldiers from the Franco-German brigade had to train in Mercedes Vito minibuses. In the same year, the Bundeswehr special unit KSK was forced to refuse to participate in the annual participation of the NATO Rapid Deployment Forces, since of the 9 helicopters they had, ready to take off at any moment, 8 were out of order before the exercise, and the latter had only three left hours of flight time before mandatory routine inspection. In 2013, Luftwaffe pilots managed to fly only 2/3 of the required flight hours. Continuation of this trend is fraught with a decrease in the level of flight practice below that permissible by NATO standards. In the fall of 2014, the Air Force was forced to send a plane from the German Chancellor’s fleet to Mazar-i-Sharif for one and a half hundred soldiers and officers, as the regular military transport Airbus 310 was faulty. In the second half of last year, two of the three German Transall military transport aircraft involved in the arms delivery operation to Erbi broke down. Berlin had to urgently rent a transport plane from the Dutch Air Force. Which, by the way, also had problems during the flight.

But the funniest thing came to light after one battery of the Patriot air defense system was redeployed to Turkey to serve as part of NATO air defense forces on the southern flank. In order to maintain its constant combat readiness, the German Air Force was forced to remove some components and blocks from missiles located in Germany itself.

Fortunately, these problems can be successfully solved. However, this requires an expansion of the military budget. NATO standards call for spending at least 2% of national GDP on defense. Berlin now spends only 1.3%, but instead of expanding defense spending, the Bundestag continues to cut it. In 2013, the country's military budget was reduced by 400 million euros, to 32.8 billion. In 2014, it was cut by another 700 million. In the future, until 2017, Germany's military spending is going to be reduced to 1.1 - 1.05% of GDP .

Conclusion
At the moment, it turns out that the Bundeswehr is not able to solve any large-scale military tasks on its own. It is possible to allocate one, even two brigades to some kind of multinational forces. He is capable of developing an excellent rear base for repairs and supplies. But even then only in conditions of low-intensity conflict. This is when the enemy is either weaker or severely limited in military-technical capabilities. Including a mandatory guarantee of the inviolability of the own rear of these multinational forces. Thus, no units of the Bundeswehr will move anywhere “to the east”. Because there is simply no one, nothing... and there are practically no people willing to fight in the Bundeswehr either.

The Federal Republic of Germany has the most powerful air force. The Luftwaffe, as the Germans call them, is involved in peacetime on combat duty for air defense systems in Europe, which is carried out jointly with other foreign air squadrons that are part of the NATO alliance. They also control their own borders from crossing airspace and can take measures to stop aircraft that cross the border without warning.

In times of crisis or war, the German Air Force operates according to national plans in offensive and defensive air operations (the use of nuclear weapons is possible).

The tasks assigned to the German Air Force:

  • Gaining and maintaining air superiority.
  • Isolation of the battlefield and combat area.
  • Conducting air support.
  • Providing air support to ground forces.
  • Carrying out transportation of military personnel and military cargo.

The basis of the Air Force of any country is combat aviation, which, in cooperation with other armed forces, can become the key to success in defeating the enemy. In addition to aviation, the Air Force also has all the means and forces of air defense: anti-aircraft missile systems, anti-aircraft artillery, radio equipment. Auxiliary aviation is responsible for ensuring combat operations of all types of troops.

Organizational structure of the German Air Force

The leadership of the Air Force rests with the Air Force Commander, who is subordinate to the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr. His workplace is located on the general staff, from where he directs the activities of all combat formations, institutions and units of the Air Force.

In Germany, the organizational structure is as follows:

  • Main Headquarters.
  • Operational Command Headquarters.
  • Support Command Headquarters.
  • Central management.

The main headquarters of the Air Force is the operational control body. Its tasks include development of construction, combat training, operational use of the Air Force, determination of the deployment of units, subunits and formations. Subordinate to the General Staff central administration, Support Command and Operational Command.

Functions assigned to the central control of the Air Force:

  • Organization of staffing and training in educational institutions.
  • Geophysical and medical support.
  • Planning and control of training of Air Force units.

The operational command of the German Air Force was formed in 1994 and is based in Cologne-Van. Designed to manage Air Force assets and forces in war and peacetime. It consists of two regional air force commands “South” and “North”, the control services command and the air transport command.

Regional command “North” is located in Kalkar, “South” - in Messtetten. They include all units and formations of strike aircraft, air defense systems and forces. The Air Transport Command is based in Münster and controls the operation of all auxiliary aviation, which is designed to transport military cargo and soldiers.

The Control Services Command is located in Cologne-Wan and monitors the functioning and development of the Air Force's communications and control systems, and investigates disasters and accidents. Puts forward proposals for reducing accident rates not only in military aviation, but also in civil aviation.

The Air Force Support Command is responsible for purchasing new equipment, carrying out its repairs, supplying units with fuel, lubricants, spare parts, ammunition and other material resources. In Germany, it is divided into 6 logistics support regiments, each of which is assigned a specific area of ​​responsibility. Logistics reserves allow Luftwaffe combat air squads to conduct continuous combat for 30 days.

Number, weapons and combat strength

The German Air Force personnel numbers 73.3 thousand people. The Luftwaffe consists of 20 squadrons (559 aircraft, 457 in combat condition). Of them:

  • 108 aircraft carrying nuclear weapons.
  • 165 fighter-bomber aircraft.
  • 35 "Tornado" ECR.
  • 36 "Tornado".
  • 144 air defense aircraft.
  • 94 combat training Alfa-Jets.
  • 125 F-4F aircraft.
  • 102 are in reserve.

The 15 missile groups include 534 missile defense launchers and 264 anti-aircraft artillery installations. Nine auxiliary aviation squadrons have over 160 aircraft, of which 157 are transport aircraft. Five helicopter squadrons operate more than 100 helicopters. All air defense assets and forces, together with strike aircraft, are distributed between four air divisions of the regional air force commands “South” and “North”.

The North Air Force Command is subordinate to the 3rd and 4th aviation divisions, the combat strength of which consists of 23 MiG-29 and 89 F-4F air defense fighters, 117 Tornado strategic fighters, 108 Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, 30 - Roland air defense system and 96 - Advanced Hawk air defense system.

The South Air Force Command controls the 1st and 2nd Aviation Divisions, which include 36 F-4F air defense aircraft, 119 Tornado fighters, 132 Patriot launchers, 60 Roland and 108 Advanced Hawk."

The Transport Aviation Command operates 84 Transall tactical transport aircraft, 7 CL-601s, 2 Boeing 707s, 7 A-310s and 99 UH-1D airborne transport helicopters.

Aerodrome network

Germany is one of the countries with a very developed airfield infrastructure, which consists of more than 600 airfields, helipads, and airfield road sections. More than 130 airfields are perfectly prepared for the deployment of all equipment included in military transport and combat aviation. The network of airfields is distributed unevenly across the country, however, as foreign experts believe, the choice of locations for airfields makes it possible for NATO forces to concentrate a powerful combination of tactical, transport and auxiliary aircraft in one place.