--- title: "German Special Forces KSK Rebuilds Training for Potential War with Russia" description: "German KSK special forces commander Andreas Kühne stated that the unit has revised its training program for a potential military clash with Russia: fighters now practice long-term operations, countering tanks, drones, and electronic warfare, as well as operations in extreme cold." date: 2026-10-26T19:52:29.502Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/german-special-forces-ksk-war-russia tags: [germany, ksk, special-forces, russia, nato, military] author: "Marina Slivenko" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # German Special Forces KSK Rebuilds Training for Potential War with Russia ![German special forces soldiers in camouflage gear and tactical glasses during training](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/26/nemetskiy-spetsnaz-ksk-gotovitsya-k-voine-s-rossiey/nemetskiy-spetsnaz-ksk-gotovitsya-k-voine-s-rossiey-1.webp) ## Key Points - KSK Commander Andreas Kühne confirmed that special forces training has been restructured for a conflict scenario with Russia. - Operations are now planned for extended field deployment rather than the previous three days. - Fighters practice countering tanks, artillery, drones, and electronic warfare, as well as operations in extreme cold. - The KSK is based in Calw, numbers about 1,500 personnel with only a third being operators, and has a selection rate of about 15%. Germany's elite Special Operations Command (KSK, Kommando Spezialkräfte) has fundamentally overhauled its combat training program, focusing on the scenario of a prolonged military clash with Russia. This was stated by unit commander Major General Andreas Kühne in an interview with the German publication BILD. According to him, the tactics and content of the training were changed not abstractly, but specifically targeting a known adversary: «We are focusing very concretely on the adversary in the form of Russia». ### From Three-Day Operations to Extended Field Deployment The key change concerns the duration of planned operations. While previously the special forces factored in field deployments of approximately three days, fighters are now preparing for significantly longer campaigns outside of bases. This means a revision of logistics, supply, and tactical cycles: the unit is learning to conduct combat operations isolated from the rear for extended periods, which is characteristic of conditions in a potential eastern flank conflict. ### Countering Tanks, Artillery, and Drones During training exercises, the KSK is once again practicing countering an enemy equipped with heavy weaponry: tanks, artillery, unmanned aerial vehicles, and electronic warfare systems. The emphasis on electronic warfare and drones reflects the lessons of modern conflicts, where these exact tools determine the survival of small special operations groups in open terrain. ### Extreme Cold as a Training Factor Particular attention during exercises is paid to operations in extremely low temperatures, which, according to command, are typical of NATO's eastern flank. Training in the cold—ranging from frostbite prevention and equipment operation to winter camouflage tactics—is viewed as a necessary condition for operations in regions bordering Russia during the winter period. ### Structure, Base, and Rigorous Selection The KSK is based at the Zeppelin barracks in the town of Calw near Stuttgart. The unit numbers around 1,500 personnel, but actual special forces operators make up only a third of the personnel, with the rest serving as administrative and support staff. Selection for the KSK remains one of the strictest in Europe, successfully passed by only about 15% of candidates, ensuring a high density of elite personnel. ### Political Context: Berlin's Warnings The restructuring of special forces training is taking place against the backdrop of public statements by German leadership regarding security threats. Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned of serious risks stemming both from internal extremist groups and external adversaries, primarily Russia. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, in turn, stated that Russia has not abandoned its intentions to restore the USSR, which, according to him, poses a threat to a number of countries that need to be prepared for a potential invasion. The overhaul of the KSK program fits into this general course of strengthening the readiness of the Bundeswehr for direct conflict scenarios. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Немецкий элитный спецназ готовится к возможной войне с РФ](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/nimetskiy-elitniy-spetsnaz-gotuetsya-mozhlivoyi-1793043351.html) - Primary source: statement by KSK commander Andreas Kühne in an interview with BILD regarding training revision, operation duration, countering tanks/drones/electronic warfare, cold weather, base in Calw, ~1500 strength, and ~15% selection rate. - [Немецкий элитный спецназ готовится к возможной войне с россией](https://ru.slovoidilo.ua/2026/10/26/novost/mir/nemeczkij-elitnyj-specznaz-gotovitsya-vozmozhnoj-vojne-rossiej-smi) - Agrees on all key facts: training changes, long-term operations, heavy weaponry, extreme cold, base, structure, and selection. - [Немецкий элитный спецназ готовится к возможной войне с россией - СМИ](https://unn.ua/ru/news/nemetskoe-elitnoe-spetspodrazdelenie-gotovitsya-k-vozmozhnoi-voine-s-rossiei-smi) - Confirms training revision, countering tanks/artillery/drones, cold weather, base in Calw, ~1500 personnel, and ~15% selection. ## FAQ ### Who announced the restructuring of KSK training? This was stated in an interview with the German publication BILD by unit commander Andreas Kühne. ### What exactly changed in the training program? Operations are now planned for extended field conditions rather than the previous roughly three days; training also covers countering tanks, artillery, drones, and electronic warfare, as well as operations in extreme cold. ### Where is the KSK based and what is its strength? The unit is based at the Zeppelin barracks in Calw near Stuttgart, numbering about 1,500 personnel, of which only a third are special forces operators while the rest are administrative staff. ### How strict is the selection process for the KSK? Selection is extremely rigorous: only about 15% of candidates successfully pass it.