Germany revamps military strength amid rising global tensions
The German army is poised to become as formidable as it was three decades ago. However, the government faces numerous challenges in achieving this. It will not be a straightforward task after many years of pacifism and austerity.
Following years of neglect and downsizing of the armed forces, Germany now faces the urgent need to restore the army to a state of readiness that aligns with current threats. While former Chancellor Olaf Scholz was hesitant to expand the armed forces and assist Ukraine, the new administration has adopted a markedly different approach to defence.
In March 2025, Germany took determined steps to rebuild and modernise the Bundeswehr. The parliament passed legislation to lift the constitutional "debt brake" for defence spending, allowing additional loans to be secured for this purpose. As part of this move, a special fund valued at £437 billion was established for investment in infrastructure and defence over the next decade.
The new regulations also permit the exclusion of military, civil defence, services, and cybersecurity expenditures exceeding 1% of GDP from the previously existing "debt brake". In practice, this means that Germany can now allocate significantly more resources for modernising the Bundeswehr and strengthening its position in NATO.
New Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised that Germany must shoulder greater responsibility for Europe's security, particularly in light of increasing threats from Russia and the shifting policies of the USA under Donald Trump. The planned investments aim not only to bolster military capabilities but also to invigorate the German economy through infrastructure development.
Boris Pistorius, who led the German defence ministry in the previous government, is tasked with overseeing these efforts, as he is known for his energetic endeavours to strengthen the German army and assist Ukraine during the crisis. This led to open conflicts with Scholz, who was obstructing army development.
Enormous funds for the army
Back in January, Pistorius highlighted the necessity of long-term planning for defence expenditures, suggesting that after the current special funds are exhausted, Germany would require at least £74 billion annually from 2028, which is £26 billion more than last year.
Germany has long been reducing defence spending, and only the outbreak of war in Ukraine prompted a gradual increase in expenses. In 2022, the Bundeswehr received £44 billion. A year later, it was £56 billion. In 2024, Germany allocated £80 billion for defence, accounting for 2.12% of GDP. Thus, they finally managed to exceed NATO's target of 2% of GDP.
Part of these expenditures is allocated in a targeted fund of £87 billion, solely for technical modernisation. The resources from this fund are to be utilised by 2027 and are strictly for purchasing new military equipment. Thus, in 2024, a record number of armament projects were approved, worth over £39 billion, including the acquisition of Leopard A8 tanks, F126 frigates, and artillery ammunition.
The increase in defence spending is widely supported by the public. This is influenced not only by the war in Ukraine but also by the uncertain behaviour of allies in the USA. According to a Politbarometer survey conducted for ZDF, a significant 76% of Germans support a substantial increase in arms spending, even if it involves incurring additional debt.
Lack of personnel
Although funding for army expansion is not an issue, the major problem is the lack of adequate human resources - a challenge that has persisted for years. As recently as 2022, the army recruited a total of 18,776 people, while over 19,500 soldiers left the service, with up to 25% dropping out during the six-month basic training period.
The outbreak of war and the deteriorating international situation have altered the trend somewhat. In 2024, the number of candidates for military service rose to nearly 25,000 volunteers, an increase of 15% compared to the previous year. The army hopes this trend will continue. However, around 20% of recruits still drop out in the initial training period.
Currently, the government anticipates that by 2031, the army should have 203,000 soldiers. At present, around 183,000 people serve in the Bundeswehr. This goal is achievable, but the army must become a more competitive player in the labour market. To attract more volunteers, the Bundeswehr plans to introduce better financial conditions for soldiers, including higher allowances and bonuses for service, especially in foreign missions. Moreover, an increase in the one-time bonus for successful completion of training and the introduction of allowances for combat readiness is planned.
Compulsory service in Germany?
This may not be sufficient, however, which is why debates on the possibility of reinstating mandatory military service have begun. There is no consensus on this step, but should such a decision be made, the government would have broad public support.
In a survey conducted last year by YouGov for "Welt am Sonntag", 28% of respondents strongly support the idea, with another 32% expressing moderate support. Meanwhile, 32% of those surveyed opposed the return of mandatory service.
For now, Germany primarily plans to expand the active reserve, which is expected to number 260,000 people. From next year, it is intended to train an additional 5,000 volunteers annually. Like Poland, Germany struggles with ageing reserves and a lack of an influx of young, trained reservists.
Germany is decisively changing its approach to defence policy, allocating unprecedented funds for the modernisation of the army and infrastructure. Fortunately, one of the main obstacles to expanding the Bundeswehr has been removed. Chancellor Scholz was the biggest hindrance. The new authorities better recognise the need to rebuild the army and the threats facing Europe.
