The Bundeswehr and Autobahn GmbH des Bundes have concluded a nationwide uniform agreement for the execution of large-scale and heavy transports as well as closed convoy drives on motorways. Dr. Michael Güntner, Chairman of the Management Board of Autobahn GmbH des Bundes, Lieutenant General André Bodemann, Deputy Commander of the Bundeswehr's Operational Command, and the President of the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Services, Prof. Dr. Roland Börger, signed the document on Monday in Berlin. This is according to a joint communication from Autobahn GmbH des Bundes and the Operational Command of the Bundeswehr dated June 30.
The new regulation replaces the previously inconsistent agreements of the individual federal states and aims to create clear, uniform framework conditions for military
transports on the German motorway network. The "hub Germany" would thus be strengthened to meet NATO's requirements for troop and material movements through the Federal Republic, according to the announcement. The agreement is another step to make Germany resilient and capable of defense.
“With this agreement, we as Autobahn GmbH, in light of constantly growing threats, make an important contribution to the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr,” said Güntner. “Together we create the conditions for military movements to take place quickly, safely, and without bureaucracy over the motorway network.”
This strengthens defense and alliance capabilities. The close cooperation with the Bundeswehr is an expression of their responsibility for comprehensive national security.
“Cooperation is crucial for us in implementing the Operations Plan Germany,” said
Lieutenant General Bodemann. “Military deployments must be carried out quickly, effectively, and as simply as possible.”
The Bundeswehr's Operational Command is responsible for the military component of Germany's total defense under the Operations Plan Germany. Due to its geographical location in the heart of Europe, the Federal Republic is a hub.
“The Bundeswehr plays a central role in supporting allied forces on German territory,” according to the press release. As a host nation, it reliably supports during transfers to participate in exercises, operational and alliance commitments, reinforcements on the NATO eastern flank, and support for Ukraine. To ensure military mobility on the German motorway network, close civil-military cooperation is necessary.
The agreement was developed based on a proposal by the Federal Highways Office
and regulates the use of roads in accordance with road traffic regulations. It applies to all motorways in Germany and also includes transports by companies commissioned by the Bundeswehr, provided they act in an official capacity.
“I am delighted to sign this significant agreement for national and alliance defense,” added Prof. Dr. Börger. "During its development, the various players once again demonstrated effective civil-military cooperation."
For both the troops and the civilian Bundeswehr administration, this means a significant increase in efficiency in realizing the hub function.
According to Autobahn GmbH des Bundes and the Bundeswehr's Operational Command, this agreement makes an important contribution to the efficiency and safety of military transports on German motorways while simultaneously strengthening cooperation between civilian and military institutions.
