Germany plans a major expansion of the Bundeswehr amid threats from Russia
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has unveiled a new military strategy that, for the first time in the Bundeswehr’s history, formalizes long-term goals regarding the size and development of the armed forces.
This was reported by the German publication Spiegel.
According to the strategy, Germany plans to maintain a target of 260,000 active-duty personnel. Together with the reserve, the total strength is expected to grow to at least 460,000 personnel. Pistorius emphasized that the goal is to create the strongest conventional army in Europe.
“The world has become more unpredictable and, yes, one must say, more dangerous,” the minister stated in Berlin.
At the same time, some members of Germany’s military leadership had previously insisted on an even larger expansion—to over 300,000 active-duty personnel—due to growing threats from Russia.
The strategy is accompanied by a supplementary document that translates political goals into specific military capabilities.
After many years of limited funding, Germany has eased the so-called “debt brake” to increase defense spending. At the same time, the government has decided not to reinstate mandatory military service, which was suspended in 2011, and is relying on a voluntary model for army recruitment. The Bundeswehr, however, doubts whether this will allow it to achieve the planned increase in troop numbers.
The document also notes that Russia’s policy remains a key challenge to European security, as Russia views NATO expansion as a threat and seeks to weaken the Alliance’s unity and reduce U.S. influence in Europe.
Recently, the German parliament finally approved the expansion of the country’s armed forces’ (Bundeswehr) powers to combat drones over its territory.
As a reminder, Germany is considering reinstating mandatory military conscription.
Germany is also preparing for possible attacks by Iranian agents in Europe.
