Germany is preparing for a major military expansion, aiming to increase its armed forces by up to 60,000 troops to meet NATO’s new defense requirements. This move comes amid heightened tensions with Russia and a renewed focus on strengthening Europe’s collective defense capabilities.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced the plan on Thursday, just before a NATO defense ministers’ summit in Brussels. “We are stepping up to our responsibility as Europe’s largest economy,” he said, emphasizing Germany’s role in securing the continent.
A New Era of NATO Defense
For the first time since the Cold War, NATO has developed detailed defense strategies outlining how member nations would respond to a Russian attack. These classified plans have revealed critical gaps in readiness — particularly in troop numbers, air defense systems, long-range weapons, and secure communication systems.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the urgency: “We need to invest heavily in air defense, long-range missiles, mobile ground forces, and command structures. It’s a massive task that demands serious financial commitment.”
Germany’s Role and the Numbers Behind the Push
Currently, Germany’s military, the Bundeswehr, has around 183,000 active personnel. With the additional troops, that number could rise to between 250,000 and 260,000. The updated NATO expectations would also require Germany to contribute seven additional brigades — equivalent to around 40,000 troops — just to meet ground force demands.
This goal is ambitious. Germany has struggled to meet its previous target of 203,000 soldiers set in 2018, and the Bundeswehr currently falls short by approximately 20,000 troops.
The Conscription Debate Returns
One of the biggest challenges ahead is recruitment. To meet these lofty goals, Germany may need to revisit the idea of conscription — a policy that was suspended in 2011. Pistorius admitted that while voluntary service remains the immediate plan, the shortage of training facilities and housing for new recruits might limit its success.
“Until we have the infrastructure — more barracks, more trainers — voluntary service is the path forward,” Pistorius noted. “But if we can become an attractive employer, we might convince enough young men and women to commit to longer military service.”
A Shift in Germany’s Military Spending
In a significant policy change, Berlin has also eased its strict debt rules to allow increased defense spending. The government is backing NATO’s proposed plan to raise the alliance’s defense budget to 5% of GDP, indicating a long-term commitment to defense investment.
As NATO reshapes its military posture for the years ahead, Germany is positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s security. The next few months will reveal whether the country can overcome internal challenges to fulfill its growing role on the global stage.
