Germany Plans Massive Expansion of Bomb-Proof Bunkers Amid Fears of Russian Attack

Germany is preparing to drastically expand its network of bomb-proof shelters to shield civilians in the event of a future large-scale conflict, particularly with Russia, according to Ralph Tiesler, head of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK).

In a recent interview, Tiesler said Germany is in a “race against time”, warning that the country could face an armed threat within the next four years.

His remarks come amid escalating fears across Europe following renewed Russian airstrikes on Kharkiv in Ukraine, and rising concern in Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states that Moscow could open new military fronts. Tiesler’s call for preparedness is the latest signal that civil defence planning, long considered irrelevant in post-Cold War Europe, is returning to the forefront.

Why is Germany focusing on bomb-proof shelters now?

“For a long time, there was a widespread belief in Germany that war was not a scenario for which we needed to prepare. That has changed,” Tiesler told the Süddeutsche Zeitung news outlet, noting that Russia’s aggression has shattered that illusion. Germany currently has around 2,000 Cold War-era bunkers, but only 580 remain operational, with a total capacity for just 480,000 people — less than 0.5% of the population.

In contrast, Finland has 50,000 protection rooms covering 85% of its population. Germany’s current infrastructure, by comparison, is insufficient. Rather than building entirely new bunkers , which would be costly and time-consuming, Tiesler advocates repurposing existing underground spaces such as tunnels, metro stations, parking garages, and public building basements to accommodate at least a million civilians.

What are the immediate steps being proposed?

Tiesler’s agency, the BBK, is set to release a comprehensive protection plan later this summer. It includes:

• Rapid identification and conversion of structurally sound urban infrastructure into emergency shelters.
• Upgrading warning systems, including road signage and siren networks.
• Enhancing digital alert systems, such as mobile apps, with better cybersecurity protections to withstand potential hacking attempts.

Launching a nationwide public awareness campaign to help citizens know where to seek safety in case of attack.

He stressed that civil protection must be integrated with military and infrastructure investments, including transport routes capable of moving tanks and supplies during a crisis.

Is the German government supporting these civil defence measures?

While the government has agreed in principle to Tiesler’s plans, formal funding has yet to be allocated. However, money could become available because of Germany’s suspension of its debt brake in March, which allows for expanded spending on the military, infrastructure, and civil protection.

Tiesler urged Friedrich Merz’s government to act decisively, warning that “relying on long-term bunker construction is not enough.” Germany needs a national mobilisation effort similar in spirit to Cold War readiness, but tailored to today’s hybrid and high-intensity threat environment.