Germany expands army — Germany is significantly increasing the size of its armed forces, aiming for a total of 460,000 soldiers by 2035, as European governments brace for the possibility of a large-scale conflict with Russia. According to the German Ministry of Defence, the Bundeswehr reached 186,700 personnel by the end of July 2026, the highest figure in 13 years, following reforms to the recruitment system introduced earlier this year.
The new system requires all citizens turning 18 to complete a questionnaire about their willingness to serve a six-month voluntary term in the military. For men, participation is mandatory, while women may choose to take part. In July, 2,630 individuals underwent physical fitness assessments, marking a 35% increase from the previous month. Currently, around 12,100 volunteers are serving under the new rules, and applications for short-term service have risen by 26%. The total number of new recruits in July reached 15,400, up 12% from the same period last year.
Bundeswehr Targets Full Readiness by 2029
Germany’s long-term objective is to establish a permanent force of at least 260,000 professional soldiers and a reserve of 200,000 by 2035. Generalinspekteur Carsten Breuer has ordered the Bundeswehr to achieve full operational readiness by 2029, in anticipation of a potential Russian attack on NATO territory. This expansion is being funded by relaxing constitutional debt limits, with priorities including enhanced air defense, long-range precision strike capabilities, electronic warfare, and increased ammunition stockpiles.
These moves are a direct response to Western intelligence assessments that Russia could restore its military capacity by 2029, enabling it to launch a major operation against NATO. Similar warnings have been issued by other European capitals, suggesting Russia could pose a serious military challenge as early as 2027 or 2028. Across Europe, defense budgets are rising sharply, arms industries are being strengthened, and efforts are underway to reduce reliance on the United States for security.
As the largest economy in Europe, Germany is taking a leading role in this military buildup. The reopening of former military bases in Sigmaringen, Kusel, Speyer, Soest, and Friedberg is part of a broader plan to accommodate the growing number of troops. While officials emphasize that service remains voluntary, the option to reintroduce compulsory military service remains on the table if volunteer numbers fall short.
The expansion of the Bundeswehr is part of a wider European trend toward rearmament, with official documents and statements from military leaders increasingly identifying Russia as the central security threat for the coming decade. The timeline for achieving full readiness—set for 2029—underscores the seriousness with which European governments are preparing for the possibility of a major conflict in the near future.