Germany has taken a historic step by significantly increasing its military investment, leaving behind its post-war hesitancy and preparing for potential conflict.
With growing concerns about Russian aggression, the German government has voted to exempt defense spending from strict debt rules, paving the way for a major expansion of its armed forces.
A New Era for the Bundeswehr
At a military training ground near Munster, the sounds of missile launches and gunfire have become routine. However, residents will soon experience an even greater military presence as the Bundeswehr transforms.
The German military has long been underfunded, but the latest financial boost marks a decisive shift.
General Carsten Breuer, Germany’s top military official, has issued a stark warning: Russia’s aggression is not confined to Ukraine and could soon threaten the broader NATO alliance.
“We are threatened by Russia. We are threatened by Putin. We have to do whatever is needed to deter that,” Breuer stated in an interview with the BBC. He emphasized that Germany must be prepared for a potential attack within the next four years. “It’s not about how much time I need; it’s about how much time Putin gives us to be prepared. The sooner we are ready, the better.”
Germany’s Changing Military Stance
For decades, Germany’s military policy was shaped by its past. As the instigator of two world wars, the country largely embraced pacifism. Military engagement was often met with skepticism, and successive governments prioritized diplomacy over defense.
Markus Ziener, a scholar at the German Marshall Fund, explained, “We started two world wars. Even though it’s been 80 years since World War Two ended, many Germans still believe in avoiding military involvement.”
However, Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine altered this mindset. While Eastern European nations like Poland and the Baltic states had been increasing their defense spending for years, Germany had relied on economic ties with Russia as a means of maintaining peace.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government believed in fostering stability through business relations, but Russia’s actions shattered that illusion.
In response, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a dramatic shift in February 2022, committing €100 billion ($108 billion) to strengthen the military. However, according to General Breuer, this initial investment was insufficient.
“We filled up a few potholes, but the overall state of our military is still very bad,” he admitted.
Germany’s Military Readiness: A Work in Progress
A recent parliamentary report confirmed that the Bundeswehr still suffers from shortages of ammunition, personnel, and adequate facilities.
Eva Högl, the armed forces commissioner, revealed that barracks alone require an estimated €67 billion ($72 billion) for renovations.
To address these deficiencies, the German government has removed debt restrictions on defense spending, allowing the military to secure funds without traditional budget constraints.
This decision was swiftly pushed through parliament by Friedrich Merz, expected to succeed Scholz as chancellor, before the February elections could introduce a more divided legislature.
Public Sentiment on Military Expansion
The German public has been gradually warming up to increased military investment. A recent YouGov poll revealed that 79% of Germans consider Vladimir Putin a significant threat to European security, while 74% view former U.S. President Donald Trump as a destabilizing force.
Markus Ziener noted, “The belief that we can 100% rely on American protection is gone. We don’t know where the U.S. is heading, but we know we need to take our own security seriously.”
Eighteen-year-old Charlotte Kreft reflects this generational shift in thinking. “For a long time, we believed that demilitarization was the best way to atone for our past. But now we must fight for our values, democracy, and freedom. We need to adapt.”
The Push for Conscription
Beyond financial investment, Germany faces another pressing issue: manpower.
Despite plans to increase the Bundeswehr’s active personnel by 20,000 to 203,000 soldiers, recruitment remains a challenge.
The military also struggles with an aging force, with the average soldier being 34 years old.
General Breuer believes that a return to military conscription is “absolutely necessary.” Germany abolished mandatory service in 2011, but he argues that it must be reintroduced to meet modern defense needs.
“We need at least 100,000 additional troops to defend Germany and NATO’s eastern flank adequately. There’s no way to achieve that without some form of conscription,” Breuer emphasized.
A New Reality for Germany
As Germany ramps up its military preparations, its leadership is keen to ensure that citizens understand the stakes. General Breuer frequently visits town halls to engage the public, often asking, “Are you ready for war?”
Some Germans remain uneasy about the shift. A young mother, Sophie, supports defense investments but is hesitant about the idea of her son serving in the military.
Despite lingering reservations, Germany’s “Zeitenwende”—a turning point—has begun. With Russian aggression looming and uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy, Germany is leaving behind its post-war pacifism and preparing for a future where military strength is essential for national security.
