Germany’s armed forces see 28% surge in recruits in Nato defence boost
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Germany wants to have 260,000 active soldiers by the 2030s, from 183,000 now.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- Germany's armed forces saw a 28% increase in recruits from January to July, totalling over 13,700 new soldiers.
- This surge supports Germany's aim to have 260,000 active soldiers by the 2030s to meet Nato targets.
- In 2026, Germany plans a digital survey for 18-year-old men to assess their interest in joining the army.
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BERLIN - Germany's armed forces reported a 28 per cent surge in soldier recruits from January to late July, compared with the same period in 2024, bolstering plans to boost Nato defences in response to what it sees as an increased threat from Russia.
The Defence Ministry said on July 31 more than 13,700 people had joined the Bundeswehr - the army, air force, navy and other forces - in that period, in what it said was the steepest rise for years.
Germany wants to have 260,000 active soldiers by the 2030s, from 183,000 now, to meet new Nato force targets and strengthen its defences - part of a planned surge in military spending underpinned by this year’s decision to loosen budget constraints.
Interest in joining the armed forces also rose, with initial consultations rising by 11 per cent and applications by 8 per cent, while civilian sector applications jumped by 31 per cent, the ministry said.
Germany abolished conscription in 2011, leaving the country without a systematic registry of eligible recruits.
From 2026, the government plans to require all men turning 18 to complete a digital survey on their interest in joining the army. REUTERS
