After Russia’s special military operation of Ukraine in 2022, Germany began preparing for future conflicts, leading to the creation of a secret 1,000-page “Operations Plan Germany” by 2024. This plan, part of NATO’s strategy, involves all 16 federal states and focuses heavily on Hamburg’s port, Germany’s largest. The port’s role could be crucial in wartime, particularly if Bremerhaven, the usual hub for U.S. and NATO forces, is compromised. As Germany braces for potential threats, Hamburg’s port might become vital for moving military supplies, requiring enhanced defenses and logistics. With cyber threats and possible attacks on infrastructure, Germany is intensifying preparations, including military exercises and strengthening homeland security forces.
In response to the U.S. planning to station long-range missiles in Germany, Putin has vowed to place Russian missiles capable of reaching Western targets within 10 minutes. This move echoes the old Cold War standoff and brings back memories of the Cuban Missile Crisis, especially with Russian warships increasing their presence near Cuba. As the U.S. gears up to deploy advanced weapons in Europe starting in 2026, Germany is caught in the middle of this escalating geopolitical drama.
Meanwhile, the new chief of the British army, Gen Sir Roly Walker, issued a similar stark warning that the UK must be ready to fight a war in three years due to escalating threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Highlighting an “axis of upheaval,” he stressed the need to double the army’s power using advanced technology like drones and AI.
Now, even the head of the German military in Hamburg, Michael Giss has warned that Germany needs to be fully prepared for war in 5 years to stop Russia from attacking NATO. In an interview with Die Welt, he said Germany’s biggest port could be key in defending Europe.
Operational Plan Germany
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Germany has started preparing for the possibility of a future war. By March 2023, the German military, known as the Bundeswehr, began working on a secret document called the “Operations Plan Germany.” This plan, which became available in March 2024, is over 1,000 pages long and details how Germany would defend itself in case of an attack. The plan is part of a larger NATO strategy, which is a military alliance between many countries, including Germany and the United States.
Germany is now working closely with its 16 federal states to figure out their roles in this plan. Each state is contributing ideas and resources to help create a comprehensive strategy. One of the key questions is how Hamburg, Germany’s largest seaport, should be used in the event of a war.
Why Hamburg’s Port is Important
Hamburg’s port is crucial because it’s one of the largest and most important in Germany. In a war, it could play a big role in supporting NATO by allowing troops and military supplies to move through Germany to other parts of Europe. Captain Michael Giss, the commander of the Hamburg regional command of the German Armed Forces, is one of the key figures overseeing the city’s preparations.
Captain Giss explained that after the Cold War, Germany enjoyed a long period of peace, thinking it was surrounded by friendly countries. But now, with rising tensions, Germany must be ready for anything. The public in Germany might not fully realize this yet, but the military is preparing for a possible future threat, especially from Russia.
The Role of Hamburg’s Port in a War
If a war were to break out, Hamburg’s port could become vital for transporting military goods. While Bremerhaven, another major German port, has traditionally been the hub for NATO and U.S. military forces, Hamburg could act as a backup if Bremerhaven were attacked or sabotaged. Hamburg’s port is well-equipped to handle large shipments, especially containers, which are often used to transport military supplies.
However, the port would need to make some changes to accommodate larger troop movements. For instance, more ramps for rolling goods, known as RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ramps, might be needed. These ramps are essential for loading and unloading military vehicles quickly.
Protecting the Port from Threats
One of the biggest concerns is protecting Hamburg’s port from potential attacks. Ships traveling to Hamburg have to navigate a narrow 100-kilometer stretch of the Lower Elbe River, making them vulnerable to enemy actions. If Hamburg’s port plays a significant role in a war, the military would need to ensure these ships are well-protected, possibly with air defense systems like the Arrows-3 from Israel.
Captain Giss also mentioned that in hybrid warfare—where traditional military attacks are combined with cyberattacks and misinformation—Hamburg’s port could be targeted in various ways. For example, just a rumor about a mine in the river could disrupt shipping traffic. Such scenarios need to be included in the overall war plan.
Preparing for the Worst
Germany is taking these threats seriously and is already planning joint military and civilian exercises in Hamburg. These exercises will help ensure that the port and its infrastructure can be defended in a crisis. The Hamburg State Command is working closely with local authorities, companies, and other organizations to prepare for all possible scenarios.
Hamburg is also seeing a growing number of reservists—citizens who are trained to serve in the military if needed—joining homeland security units. These units play a key role in protecting vital infrastructure like the port.
The Bigger Picture
Captain Giss emphasized that Germany is not trying to stir up fear or panic, but rather to prepare for a changing world. If a conflict were to break out, life in Central Europe would change dramatically. It would involve massive movements of soldiers and equipment, managing refugees, and ensuring public safety and health care under challenging conditions.
Germany, and Hamburg in particular, must be ready for this possibility. The country has already started making plans, but there’s still a lot of work to do. The “Operations Plan Germany” is a living document, constantly being updated to address new threats and challenges.
In short, while Germany hopes for continued peace, it’s making serious preparations to ensure it can defend itself and its allies if the need arises. Hamburg’s port is just one part of this complex and crucial effort.
