The article by Georg Ismar highlights the shifting global landscape and the urgent need for the Bundeswehr to modernize and enhance its defense capabilities due to increasing skepticism regarding U.S. reliability. With an aggressive stance from Russia, the author points out the pressing timeline that the German military faces in addressing its needs. This urgency is underscored by Germany's decision to expedite the procurement of combat drones, moving away from the traditional lengthy acquisition processes in pursuit of an effective defense solution.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has initiated a significant change in the procurement approach, indicating a willingness to shortcut the long-standing practices that have often delayed necessary upgrades. For the first time, Germany will be purchasing drones from two young German firms even before they have completed the qualification process for weapon safety. This shift in strategy signifies a departure from perfectionism in defense procurement and reflects a responsive adaptation to contemporary security challenges.

However, Ismar warns that while speeding up acquisition is essential, there are serious concerns regarding the involvement of a controversial investor in one of the supplier companies. The implications of this investor's influence on the operational capabilities and ethical considerations of the Bundeswehr could pose significant long-term challenges for Germany's defense integrity and public trust in military operations, which adds a layer of complexity to the urgency of modernizing its forces.