Wagenknecht sounds the alarm: Bundeswehr video with Lord of the Rings” sound!

Wagenknecht sounds the alarm: Bundeswehr video with Lord of the Rings” sound!

In the last few days, the Bundeswehr has caused a stir: a new video from Panzerbrigade 45, which was published on Instagram, has not only attracted the public's attention, but also critical voices from politics. The video, accompanied by music from “The Lord of the Rings,” shows martial scenes with torches and cheers, while Army Inspector Christian Freuding emphasizes that the brigade should be trained to be “war-ready.” This production could be irritating for some viewers, especially given the current geopolitical tensions in Europe.

The most prominent critic of the video is BSW boss Sahra Wagenknecht. She described the material as “disturbing propaganda” and questioned what memories such a depiction could evoke in Russia. In fact, the musical background comes from the Nazgûl theme of the story by J.R.R. Tolkien, with the Nazgûl considered Sauron's most powerful servants. For many, this could be a questionable choice, especially as it reinforces the dark and aggressive mood of the video.

Context of the 45th Panzer Brigade

Panzerbrigade 45 was created in April 2025 in response to the increasing threat from Russia. The most important thought leaders in NATO member states see them as indispensable protection against possible aggression. The aim is to have the brigade operational with a full strength of around 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian employees by 2027. This comes as part of a broad military reform and rearmament considered necessary to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities.

The Bundeswehr sees itself as a “solid cornerstone for the defense of the alliance area on the eastern flank,” which is also what various international partners are relying on. The last few years in particular have shown how important these measures are for security in Europe. But that is precisely why such propaganda means are questioned and critically evaluated by experts and politicians like Wagenknecht.

The Bundeswehr at a glance

A look at the structure of the Bundeswehr shows that it is more than just a military force. It includes the entire armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, including the army, air force and navy as well as civilian areas for infrastructure and personnel. The Federal Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, and the Inspector General Carsten Breuer lead the organization in a highly complex, publicly controlled environment. Since 1955, the Bundeswehr has also been known for its foreign missions within the framework of NATO, the EU and the UN.

There are currently around 182,357 active soldiers on duty, around 13.7 percent of whom are women. Compulsory military service was suspended in 2011, but the Bundeswehr plans to introduce a new military service model from January 1, 2026, which includes flexible military registration and enlistment periods. These reforms are part of the Bundeswehr's adaptation strategy to the changed security policy conditions following Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022.

The discussion about how to deal with tradition, extremism and other challenges within the Bundeswehr remains a current and sensitive topic. As the last video shows, public perception reflects the dilemma in which the Bundeswehr finds itself today: between the need for strength and responsibility towards history.