Germany has announced an ambitious three-phase plan to build Europe's strongest army by 2035, aiming to field 460,000 troops. This initiative reflects a broader continental push to enhance defense capabilities in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has urged NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP and share more of Europe's security burden, threatening to abandon the alliance if they fail to do so.
Germany's Military Overhaul
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." This marks Germany's biggest military overhaul in decades, outlining a new capability profile, a redesigned reserves strategy, and a personnel growth plan.
This represents a significant shift 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.
Readiness Crisis
The Bartels report found that no German submarines or large transport aircraft were 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 Fighters, tanks, and ships were outdated, and pilots lacked training due to grounded aircraft.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, according to Spiegel.
A Reuters report noted that Germany's defense readiness fell from 65% in February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, to 50% by February 2025.
The Three-Phase Plan
For three years, the German Defence Ministry has laid groundwork to boost deterrence and capabilities, identifying 153 issues and planning 580 steps for greater effectiveness. These steps are divided into three phases:
- Phase 1 (by 2029): Expand forces to maximize readiness for sustained operations.
- Phase 2 (by 2035): Build multi-domain capabilities across land, air, sea, cyber, and space. Grow active personnel from 185,000 to 260,000, plus 200,000 reserves.
- Phase 3 (by 2039): Transform the Bundeswehr into a technologically advanced force.
Early Results
Early results are promising. Germany now outproduces the US in 155mm artillery shells and has quadrupled medium-caliber ammunition output.
This comprehensive plan signals Germany's commitment to becoming a leading military power in Europe, addressing long-standing readiness issues and preparing for future security challenges.
