Germany is finally focusing on defending NATO, but its military 'lacks almost everything' it needs to do it, a former German general says

• Like other Western countries, Germany has scrambled to support Ukraine against Russia.
• That has highlighted "the neglected state and outdated focus" of Germany's military, a former general says.
• Before Berlin can support Kyiv or defend NATO, it will have to refurbish its own forces.

Before Germany can arm Ukraine, it's going to have to rearm itself.

That's the warning from a former German general who argues that Germany must refurbish its badly neglected armed forces — though this will take years to accomplish.