Bundeswehr Neu Westfalen

Neu Westfalen's Defence Forces are organized into Heer (Army), Luftwaffe (Airforce) and Marine (Navy) branches. It operates a technologically sophisticated defence force with an emphasis on Air and Naval assets. The Heer (including Special Forces) operates the largest share with 13,500 personnel, followed by the Luftwaffe with 10,200 personnel, and the Marine with 8,350 personnel. The Neu Westfalen Federal Defence Forces (German: Bundeswehr Neu Westfalen) also maintain another 7,000 Reserve personnel (39,050 total), making it the 3rd largest military in Oceania; behind Australia and New Duveland.

Neu Westfalen's area of strategic interest is primarily in the Pacific & Indian ocean regions. Practical defence of its overseas territory, the Spira Islands, relies heavily upon its defence-pact with Australia, which allows Bundeswehr aircraft and warships free passage and the right to refuel (and vice versa). Today Neu Westfalen conducts annual training exercises with its defence partners Australia, New Duveland, Cattala and New Zealand. The Marine also participates in the annual AIN-RIMPAC naval exercises.

The most recent military deployment by the Bundeswehr was to East Timor during Operation Astute between 2006 to 2013, which some claim was a continuation of their long-standing dispute with Indonesia. However the Bundeswehr maintains its primary motivation is to maintain peace in the Pacific.

Heer
Given Neu Westfalen's geographic isolation, it has only required a small ground army (Heer); especially since the end of the cold war. It specializes in amphibious operations, peacekeeping and disaster relief. The standard service rifle of the Bundeswehr is the Belgian FN F2000 Assault Rifle, introduced in 2006. The Spezielle Aufklärungseinheit (Special Reconnaissance Unit) or SAE, is an elite special forces military unit composed of Special Operations soldiers handpicked from each of the ranks of Neu Westfalen's Bundeswehr. Formed in 1973 the SAE were first deployed during the Spira Islands Confrontation, but never entered actual combat. Their most recent deployment was to East Timor between 1999 to 2000, where they engaged in their first combat. During this battle the SAE confirmed the killing of a dozen Pro-Indonesian Militiamen during an ambush on December 5, 1999. Largely due to their limited number of deployments, no members of the SAE have ever been killed in action.

Luftwaffe
The Neu Westfalen Luftwaffe operates a variety of modern combat, transport and logistical aircraft. These aircraft are based at four primary airforce bases, each responsible for their own stragetic and civil defence area; Mt Lantea Airbase (North Westphalia), Evehalden Airbase (Central Westphalia), Lake Zollikon Airbase (South Westphalia) & Spira Military Base (Spira Overseas Territory).

In 2011 the Luftwaffe upgraded it's F-14 Tomcat fleet with the latest aviation sensors, radar and digital flight controls to ensure the aging aircraft maintain their longevity until at least the year 2020. Although their eventual replacement has not yet been confirmed, the Luftwaffe has expressed interest in purchasing 26 Sukhoi T-50 Stealth multirole fighters from Russia. Other possible replacement candidates include the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and the Boeing F-15SE Silent Eagle.

The Luftwaffe's fleet of logistical transport aircraft are often deployed to aid in disaster relief efforts around the world. These aircraft are also vital to Neu Westfalen's military transport capabilities, providing crucial logistical support for the defence forces at home and abroad. In total it currently operates 102 aircraft.

Marine
The Neu Westfalen Marine is considered a Green-water navy with the ability to provide coastal defence as well as sustaining operations in the open ocean. As an island nation, Neu Westfalen places a relatively high degree of importance on its maritime capabilities; in terms of both combat and non-combat roles.

In 2008 the Marine introduced the Valhalla-class Light/Helicopter Carrier, based-off the Japanese Hyūga-class and built under license at the Port Lantea Naval Shipyard. To accommodate STOVL jets the deck of the Valhalla was strengthened with heat-resistant panels to protect it from hot jet exhaust blasts. Furthermore unlike the Hyūga, the Valhalla is nuclear powered allowing it to operate without regular refueling. This would replace it's aging ex-British Invincible-class carrier - the Asgard.

Since 1986 it has operated a small number of British-built Harrier Jets. Observing how effective these were for the British during the Falklands War, Neu Westfalen ordered 16 Harrier II GR5's to operate from it's sole carrier; with the aim of protecting the contested Spira Islands from invasion. These were subsequently upgraded to GR9's, however after budget revisions since 2011 they have been primarily kept on air-force bases, only rarely operating at sea. Instead the Valhalla primarily operates as a Helicopter Carrier and Amphibious Sealift Transport.