Berlin: Germany's armed forces have expanded to approximately 186,700 military personnel, the highest level observed in about 13 years, as reported by the Defense Ministry on Monday. This development signifies that the troop strength is aligning with the target range set for 2026, which is between 186,000 and 190,000 personnel.
According to Anadolu Agency, the announcement comes amidst criticism from opposition lawmakers who argue that the new military service law introduced earlier this year may not adequately address the expansion or the personnel shortages of the Bundeswehr. However, the ministry has countered these criticisms by highlighting that applications, recruitment, and overall troop strength have reached unprecedented levels.
In July, applications for military careers surged to approximately 47,300, marking a 26% increase from the previous year and 6,800 more than in June. Additionally, new hires numbered around 15,400, reflecting a 12% rise from July 2025 and 4,500 more than the preceding month. The new military service law, effective from the beginning of 2026, maintains voluntary service while requiring young men to complete a questionnaire assessing their fitness, qualifications, and interest in military service, with women having the option to respond voluntarily.
The ministry reported that the questionnaire initiative is yielding positive results, with about 378,000 letters dispatched by July 31. Approximately 96% of men and 4% of women responded by the deadline, with an average interest rating of about 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. Officials anticipate continued growth through the year's end, although they acknowledge potential seasonal fluctuations.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has consistently expressed Germany's ambition to build Europe's strongest armed forces and assume greater responsibility for the continent's security in the face of threats from Russia and global challenges. The Defense Ministry aims to expand the Bundeswehr to between 255,000 and 270,000 active troops by 2035, in line with NATO commitments, necessitating the recruitment of roughly 20,000 new personnel annually.