Germany has for the first time published an official national military strategy for the Bundeswehr, saying the international security environment has worsened sharply. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the move as urgently needed “in this historic period,” citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing pressure on the international legal order.
The document explicitly names Russia as “the greatest and most immediate threat for the foreseeable future” to Germany and transatlantic security, and warns that Moscow is preparing conditions that could enable a military attack on NATO territory. The strategy includes detailed scenario analyses — for example, responses to a potential Russian attack on NATO soil — but Pistorius said those specific assessments remain classified.
Ambitious force-growth targets are reaffirmed. The government aims to expand the Bundeswehr to 460,000 personnel by the mid-2030s, including some 200,000 reservists, and to accelerate the buildup “as fast as possible” through 2029 to improve readiness. The strategy states an explicit goal of developing the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest conventional army. It also acknowledges significant challenges: meeting NATO’s higher demands and recruiting enough soldiers.
Recruitment has risen slowly thanks to stepped-up efforts. By the end of March 2026 the Bundeswehr counted about 185,400 active-duty troops, roughly 3,300 more than a year earlier. To boost enlistment, the government at the start of the year unveiled a new military service plan combining incentives with compulsory elements, including mandatory military screening for all young men. Officials say reinstating conscription — suspended since 2011 — would be an option if voluntary recruitment falls short, though State Secretary Nils Hilmer said reintroducing full conscription is not currently being considered.
Alongside the strategy Pistorius released related policy papers. A capability profile outlines the core capacities needed for national defense, deterrence and alliance duties. A separate reserve strategy maps out how to build around 200,000 ready reservists by 2033; these reservists are intended mainly for homeland defense and logistics roles and to strengthen ties between the military and civilian society. The operational specifics of both papers are largely classified.
To tackle internal shortcomings, the defense ministry presented a debureaucratization and modernization plan containing 153 measures and 580 concrete implementation steps aimed at cutting red tape. Reforms include giving internal regulations fixed expiration dates so outdated rules lapse automatically, and launching a digital “Bundeswehr Wallet” to store members’ important personal documents.
The new framework treats the strategy and accompanying documents as “living” rather than static multi-year plans, enabling continuous adaptation to changing threats. Pistorius stressed a cultural shift away from a traditional silo mentality toward greater flexibility and a different organizational mindset.
Political reactions were mixed. Ulrich Thoden, defense spokesperson for the Left Party, called the strategy “logical and necessary” in light of Russian aggression but cautioned against Germany transforming into a major military power.
The government says much of the operational detail must remain secret while preparations and reform continue. This article was originally written in German.