“After the end of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and if its rearmament continues unchecked, a large-scale attack on NATO could become possible — and soon,” he said. “That means we have to deal with the possibility of an attack against us, whether we like it or not. And beyond that, we have no time to lose.”
The commander presented “Operation Plan Germany,” a new national defense plan aligned with NATO’s regional strategy, as the country’s blueprint for deterrence. The plan organizes how up to 800,000 allied troops could move through Germany within 180 days to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank if war looms. “It’s not a war plan, but rather a war-prevention plan at its core,” Sollfrank said.
He pointed to a surge in hybrid attacks and sabotage targeting Germany and its neighbors — including drone sightings, naval incidents and undersea interference — as proof that Moscow is already testing Europe’s defenses.
“Deterrence only works if it’s credible,” Sollfrank said. “We must be ready to fight so that we do not have to fight.”