German authorities have repeatedly emphasized the need for full military readiness by 2029, a year when NATO and Berlin predict Russia could potentially attack another NATO member.
This message has been reinforced by senior German officials, driving broader emergency planning across the country, despite Moscow’s assurances to the contrary.
Anticipating War Casualties
In a recent interview with Reuters, General and Chief Medical Officer Ralf Hofmann stated that Germany would need to realistically treat nearly 1,000 wounded soldiers per day in the event of a conflict with Russia.
Hofmann explained that “the nature of warfare has dramatically changed in Ukraine,” with most injuries now stemming from drone attacks.
Experts increasingly view unmanned aerial vehicles, enhanced with artificial intelligence and precision strike capabilities, as critical in future conflicts, allowing attacks over greater distances and on multiple targets.
Flexible Medical Logistics
The German armed forces highlight that in wartime scenarios, patient transport must be fast and flexible, potentially using trains or buses—a practice already observed in Ukraine.
Hofmann also estimates that at least 15,000 hospital beds should be available nationwide to manage wartime casualties.
Hospitals Still Unprepared
A Panorama investigation by German public broadcaster NDR revealed that many hospitals are still inadequately prepared for such hypothetical scenarios.
Some facilities lack clear guidance on their role in a defensive conflict or the reception of patients transferred from abroad.
Several hospitals have requested that the government establish national guidelines identifying which facilities should be prioritized for war readiness. Currently, no such directives exist.
Only a minority of hospitals have underground rooms and beds providing protection during attacks, and just 20% plan to upgrade their infrastructure in the coming years.
Concerningly, water supply disruptions have not been fully considered, with 41% of hospitals unable to clearly state how long their reserves would last.
Emergency Power Capabilities
Large hospitals in Germany are required to maintain operations during power outages for up to 72 hours.
Yet, 18% could not function for more than a week without electricity, highlighting critical gaps in preparedness.
