BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Defense Minister Boris Pistorius wants to talk quickly with the arms industry about closing equipment gaps in the Bundeswehr caused by arms deliveries to Ukraine. "We are now doing everything we can to ensure that equipment is quickly re-procured," the SPD politician said on ARD's "Tagesthemen" program on Wednesday evening. He said he wanted to hold talks with the arms industry on this very soon, probably as early as next week.

Pistorius conceded, "We have neatly piled up replacement deficits in recent years." In addition, he said, there were gaps caused by the surrender of weapons during the Ukraine war. Reliable and binding agreements with industry are now essential, he said. "Because one thing is clear: The gaps that are now emerging should and must be closed quickly." Pistorius also pleaded for a strengthening of the industry. "We need more defense industry in Germany, but also, I think, in a concerted way in Europe," the minister said./shy/DP/nas