Germany is preparing to quickly expand its network of bomb-proof bunkers and shelters. The country’s top civil protection officer, Ralph Tiesler, warned that Germany must get ready for a possible Russian attack within the next four years.

Tiesler heads the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK). He told Süddeutsche Zeitung that Germany had ignored the threat of war for too long. “For a long time, there was a widespread belief in Germany that war was not a scenario for which we needed to prepare,” he said. “That has changed. We are concerned about the risk of a major war of aggression in Europe.”

Germany Faces Reality of Possible Conflict

Tiesler said Germany is not ready for war. He stressed the urgent need to act now. He urged a nationwide plan to identify and convert existing underground spaces into shelters. These include tunnels, subways, car parks, and cellars in public buildings. The goal is to quickly create space for 1 million people.

Existing Buildings Offer Fast Solutions

He also explained that building new bunkers would take too long and cost too much. So, Germany must adapt existing structures without delay. “We are in a race against time,” he warned. Tiesler said the BBK will present a detailed plan later this summer.