NATO panic as major European country plots action on Russia border

's military has approached a number of major arms firms over whether they could provide logistics support in the event of a Russian attack on s eastern flank, according to reports. The Bundeswehr has reportedly spoken to companies including defence firm Rheinmettal, state-owned railway operator Deutsche Bahn and airline company Lufthansa as fears over 's continue, sparking panic among NATO member states.

The Handelsblatt newspaper in reports the country's armed forces have approached the companies to see if they could help with the deployment of troops and equipment to the alliance's eastern border. has pledged 35,000 soldiers and more than 200 aircraft and ships within 30 days of any major war involving . The Bundeswehr's Operational Command said that the German military "relies almost exclusively on civilian commercial service providers for the logistical transport of military goods and equipment outside of crisis zones".

Industry sources say discussions are also being held regarding whether Lufthansa's flight school could take over basic training for fighter jet pilots.

reported the German defence ministry, Lufthansa and Rheinmetall haven't commented on the reports, while Deutsche Bahn said it was unable to provide details of military logistics.

It comes amid mounting tensions with and concerns over commitment to European security.

's incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz has previously that the administration might not uphold s Article 5 which states an attack on one ally is an attack on all.

Last month, German lawmakers voted to allow a huge increase in defence spending by loosening strict debt rules. The move is expected to release billions of euros for Berlin's defence budget.

, Europe's biggest economy, was estimated to be spending 2.12% of its GDP on defence in 2024 - above the 2% target but less than several other nations.

Earlier this year, more than .

The large-scale multi-national exercise was held in south-east Romania, close to the border with .