French general calls for streamlining military mobility

To enhance Europe's ability to respond to potential Russian aggression, French General Bertrand Toujouse is advocating for a significant reduction in bureaucratic hurdles to speed up the movement of troops, tanks, and ammunition across the continent.

Toujouse, who leads the newly established French army land command for Europe, emphasized that while military logistics were straightforward during the Cold War, they have now become exceedingly complex, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

He stressed the urgent need to reintroduce military mobility into European strategic planning and to practice it regularly. With the possibility of a NATO country being attacked by Russia, swift deployment of European and American forces to the alliance's eastern flank is critical. However, current challenges include cumbersome administrative procedures, inadequate infrastructure for armored vehicles, and limited transport capacity.

The European Union has urged member states to adhere to the Military Mobility Pledge, which includes infrastructure investments and ensuring prioritized access to transport routes for military forces. Recently, France joined an agreement with Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands to establish a military transit corridor, and Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania have also committed to enhancing cross-border military mobility.

The difficulties were highlighted during the French army's deployment of a battalion to Romania in spring 2022, which exposed significant bureaucratic obstacles. General Toujouse recounted the frustrations faced, such as dealing with customs regulations that hindered tank movements. The French army also faced challenges due to a lack of recent experience in military logistics, having primarily focused on operations in Afghanistan and the Sahel.

Toujouse advocates for prioritizing rail transport improvements, noting that railways are the most effective means for moving tanks. He proposes reducing access fees for cross-continental trains, which currently cost the French military €30 million annually. Additionally, France needs to enhance its transport infrastructure to accommodate military movements, especially as Spanish and Portuguese brigades may transit through France on their way to Slovakia.

Retired US Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, who formerly commanded US Army Europe, highlighted that Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 underscored the need for improved military mobility. Although progress has been made in recognizing the problem, significant improvements are still needed.