Germany not to cap army numbers by 460,000 troops — defense minister

Lead

Germany has formally adopted its first-ever military strategy, describing Russia as the greatest threat to European security and outlining plans to significantly expand the country's armed forces. The strategy, presented by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, comes amid heightened tensions with Moscow and a reassessment of European defense needs.

Coverage comparison

The strategy was first reported by Deutsche Welle, which noted that the military document remains largely classified. The German public broadcaster reported that the strategy defines the future focus of the Bundeswehr and analyzes potential threats, with the document stating that Russia represents the most immediate threat to Germany and transatlantic security.

Meanwhile, Russian state news agency TASS, which covered the announcement extensively, quoted Pistorius as saying the 460,000 figure is not a cap but "the direction in which we are moving." The defense minister told TASS that the number of troops could exceed this target if the situation worsens.

Key Claims

• The Bundeswehr aims to expand to 460,000 soldiers by the mid-2030s.
• Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the 460,000-troop target is not a limit.
• Germany plans to expand active forces to 260,000 and raise reservists to 200,000.
• Bavarian Premier Markus Söder has called for compulsory military service.
• The military strategy identifies Russia as the greatest threat to Germany and NATO.
• Compulsory military service could be introduced if voluntary measures fail to reach targets.

Perspectives

The strategy marks a historic shift for Germany, which has traditionally been cautious about military matters since World War II. The decision to adopt a formal military strategy, a first in the country's post-war history, reflects changing security dynamics in Europe.

Pistorius, a Social Democrat, defended the strategy, saying, "Rarely has a military strategy been as necessary as it is in this historic period." However, the defense minister acknowledged that recruitment remains the greatest challenge, as Germany seeks to reverse decades of downsizing.

According to TASS, the Bundeswehr currently has between 180,000 and 186,000 active soldiers, with a target of 260,000 active personnel and 200,000 reservists. This would bring total combat-ready forces to at least 460,000, a number Pistorius says is necessary for defense in the current security environment.

The strategy has not been without controversy. Bavarian Premier Markus Söder, a conservative, has been critical of the government's approach, calling for the immediate reintroduction of compulsory military service. "With volunteers alone we won't achieve the necessary security our country needs," Söder told the Bild newspaper, according to Deutsche Welle.

Germany abolished compulsory military service in 2011 under then-Chancellor Angela Merkel. Under new rules introduced this year, all 18-year-olds are required to complete a questionnaire about their fitness for service, but enlistment remains voluntary for now.

The government has said that compulsory service could be reintroduced if voluntary recruitment falls short of the targets. Pistorius told TASS that mandatory service would be discussed if necessary, saying, "We will have to discuss and decide on the mandatory requirement."

TASS reports that Russia has reacted to Germany's military expansion with concern. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying that "in its militarist frenzy, Germany has forgotten the tragedy that its previous attempt to become 'the main military power in Europe' resulted in."

The strategy also lays out plans to reduce bureaucracy and increase the use of artificial intelligence in the military, according to TASS. The German defense chief said the military would focus on both short-term defense capabilities and long-term technological dominance.

As Germany embarks on this historic military expansion, allies will be watching closely to see if the country can meet its ambitious targets and what message it sends to Moscow. The strategy, while intended to deter aggression, could also be seen as provocative by Russia, escalating tensions further.

This article includes reporting from Deutsche Welle and TASS.