Meet the Minister: from the Chancellor’s call to the Indo-Pacific

How did Boris Pistorius become Minister of Defence? What were his impressions during his first few weeks in office? These and other questions were answered at the “Meet the Minister” event as part of the 2023 Munich Security Conference.

More than 80 interested participants from all over the world seized this opportunity to pose questions to newly appointed Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and to learn more about his agenda. Moderated by Professor Carlo Masala, Director of the Metis Institute for Strategy and Foresight, which hosted the event, the discussion spanned subjects from the structure of the Ministry of Defence to international operations. Like the entire 2023 Munich Security Conference, this event, too, mostly focused on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and on Germany’s support for the beleaguered country.

A call from the Chancellor

How did Boris Pistorius become Minister of Defence? A curious Prof Masala took the opportunity to ask the new Minister directly. His answer was simple: The Chancellor called, asked if he wanted to do it, and Pistorius said yes.

It has been one month since Pistorius took office. But despite the short period of time, he had been able to form some impressions, he said. Mostly, he found that “the people at the Ministry and in the Bundeswehr, they enjoy their work. They’re passionate about their work.” But for the longest time, nobody had appreciated what they were doing, he added, because national and collective defence had long played virtually no role and had not been at the forefront of people’s minds.

The Minister announced he would initiate positive changes at the Federal Ministry of Defence. These changes would primarily affect methodologies and processes “hailing back to times where we could afford them, but we cannot afford them any longer”.

One year of war in Ukraine

Pistorius reiterated that the most important thing was to support Ukraine so it could win the war. He said it had to be made clear that Russia could not be allowed to get away with its aggression, and that this was not only about Russia, but about all autocratic regimes in this world. “We are called upon to act here as Germany, as the European Union, and ultimately as NATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization as well.” All further support given to Ukraine depended on the further course of the war, he added, which would determine any further steps.

Clearly, support for Ukraine would have to be sustainable. Sustainable procurement in terms of ammunition, spare parts and equipment is a priority for the Minister when it comes to the Bundeswehr, too. “We need a new joint procurement system that is more sustainable and manages larger volumes”, Pistorius said. While this could not be implemented over night, it would definitely have to be on the agenda, even after this war was long over.

The current challenge, he went on, was to support Ukraine quickly and effectively despite the defence industry being unable to deliver as fast as required. It would also have to be ensured that capability gaps in the Bundeswehr did not become too big. “Either way, there is going to be a gap, that is not something we can change. We just have to decide how big we can allow this gap to become before we are down to the bare bones”, the Minister said.

Focus on national and collective defence

In order to properly fulfil the task of national and collective defence, capabilities would have to be restored and gaps closed. There had been budget cuts for a long time, he said. “And now, we are facing the challenge of having to reverse this process – that is not something we can do in two years.” All this required sufficient funding, he added, and for more than two budget years. Another issue was cooperation with the defence industry, which would have to be given guaranteed contracts. “If we are serious about the defence readiness of the Alliance and of our country, we must back it up with action.”

International crisis management

However, focusing on national and collective defence would not spell the end of operations abroad, Pistorius asserted. Assuming responsibility in the world was part of the bigger picture. Regarding Russia’s ambitions in Africa, for example, he said that we would have to contribute to stabilising these regions and maintaining that stability.

The Indo-Pacific would also continue to play a role. This would include exercises with partners. He concluded: “We must take a stand, and we must show that we are not indifferent to this region.”

Focus on national and collective defence

In order to properly fulfil the task of national and collective defence, capabilities would have to be restored and gaps closed. There had been budget cuts for a long time, he said. “And now, we are facing the challenge of having to reverse this process – that is not something we can do in two years.” All this required sufficient funding, he added, and for more than two budget years. Another issue was cooperation with the defence industry, which would have to be given guaranteed contracts. “If we are serious about the defence readiness of the Alliance and of our country, we must back it up with action.”

International crisis management

However, focusing on national and collective defence would not spell the end of operations abroad, Pistorius asserted. Assuming responsibility in the world was part of the bigger picture. Regarding Russia’s ambitions in Africa, for example, he said that we would have to contribute to stabilising these regions and maintaining that stability.

The Indo-Pacific would also continue to play a role. This would include exercises with partners. He concluded: “We must take a stand, and we must show that we are not indifferent to this region.”