The number of units, weapons, and troops, as well as their equipment; the technological level of the forces; the quality of training; the country’s economic and industrial base; and its geography. These factors – and many more – determine a state’s overall strength and its ability to wage military conflict. However, there is one aspect that is often overlooked, yet is by no means insignificant. It determines the actual initial balance of power and, consequently, the further course of the conflict.

When There’s No Time to Spare

An unexpected attack, a crisis, or simply a sudden escalation of tensions. The ability of the nation’s leadership to make key decisions quickly enough – decisions that are then translated into concrete actions – can be the difference between success and failure in the international arena. However, that is only half the battle. The other half? That is the actual ability to carry out such actions in a timely manner. Gone are the days when response times were measured in days and weeks, as was the movement of troops and the flow of information. Today, every hour counts, and every further delay means a worse starting position.

Deployment Capability and Response Time

How long does it take for a unit to be fully ready and at full strength to move out? Is it even capable of such actions without difficulty, within a short time frame, and under pressure? That depends on thorough preparedness for this eventuality. Is the equipment sufficiently modern, well-maintained, and supported by an adequate supply of spare parts? Does the unit even have sufficient spare equipment on hand to immediately replace any equipment currently undergoing maintenance or repairs? Has such a scenario been trained for?

Even if the answer to these questions is yes, another potential problem arises. Does the unit have sufficient transportation resources available on short notice? Because, within the framework of Alliance operations, it is simply not enough for a mechanized battalion, for example, to reach the first hill. Its area of operations may be hundreds of kilometers away. This necessitates rail or road transport; in the case of tracked vehicles, it is advisable to have sufficient tractor-trailers with flatbeds for their faster and more efficient transport.

If the answer here is also yes, a third question arises. Are there sufficient capabilities to supply and sustain the unit at its deployment location for the required duration? In other words, does it have sufficient supplies of fuel, ammunition, spare parts, and the means to transport (and protect) them to their destination? Because sustainability is directly linked to deployability. One without the other does not constitute a true military capability to deploy forces to an operation.

Uncomfortable Questions

The points mentioned above are not pleasant questions to ask. But they are absolutely essential for realizing that simply purchasing equipment is not enough, and that even after a successful acquisition of combat equipment, there is still a long road ahead to achieving true military capability – which is the foundation of successful deterrence.

The entire process is neither easy, short, nor cheap. However, it is absolutely essential to ensure that the funds spent on the acquired equipment are not wasted – and that the actual defense capabilities of our own country and our allies do not remain merely a promise on paper. It is, in fact, reckless to assume that potential aggressors do not factor these (actual capabilities) into their calculations; it is in our interest to deter them from their plans and from their favorable assessment of the balance of power. This is only possible through credibility – where words are backed by actions and vice versa – and where the national forces of Alliance member states possess real, proven, and regularly demonstrated capabilities to prepare portions of their troops, transport them in large numbers, and deploy them to bolster the Alliance’s deterrence.

One example is this year’s major Alliance exercise, Steadfast Dart 26, or the earlier Steadfast Defender 2024. Also worth highlighting is Germany’s role in establishing the 45th Armored Brigade in Lithuania, which involves a permanent forward presence of German forces. It is precisely such steps that strengthen the deterrent effect and thereby reduce the chances that an aggressor would make a miscalculation with critical consequences.