Germany aims to build Europe’s strongest army by 2029. This reflects a continental push to boost defense capabilities amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has also urged Nato members to raise spending to 5% of GDP while sharing more of Europe’s security burden. He has also threatened to abandon the alliance that ensures collective defense.Last week, Berlin released a foundational document for the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces. Titled “Basic Documents on the Strategic Orientation of the German Armed Forces,” it marks Germany’s biggest military overhaul in decades. The roadmap outlines a new capability profile, a redesigned reserves strategy, and a personnel growth plan.This marks a sea change from the German armed forces’ state just a few years ago, when they struggled to meet even basic responsibilities. A 2018 parliamentary report by then-Commissioner Hans-Peter Bartels exposed their dire lack of readiness.The Bartels report found no German submarines or large transport aircraft available for deployment; fighters, tanks, and ships were outdated, and pilots lacked training due to grounded aircraft. Post-Cold War peace dividends allowed European nations to slash defense spending, worsening the crisis—Germany’s entire Typhoon fighter fleet was once grounded for months, per Spiegel.A Reuters report noted Germany’s defense readiness fell from 65% in February 2022—when Russia invaded Ukraine—to 50% by February 2025.For three years, the German Defense Ministry has laid groundwork to boost deterrence and capabilities, identifying 153 issues and planning 580 steps for greater effectiveness.These steps divide into three phases: the first, by 2029, expands forces to maximize readiness for sustained operations. The second builds multi-domain capabilities (land, air, sea, cyber, space) by 2035, growing active personnel from 185,000 to 260,000 plus 200,000 reserves. The third, by 2039, transforms the Bundeswehr into a tech-advanced force.Early results shine: Germany now outproduces the US in 155mm artillery shells and has quadrupled medium-caliber ammunition output.
