Bundeswehr

Germany's Bundeswehr is attracting young job seekers amid an economic recession and job cuts, with applications rising 23% in January 2026. Many Gen Z applicants view military service as a fallback option rather than a vocation.

German defense company Helsing is supplying combat drones to Ukraine and the Bundeswehr. The article explores their effectiveness on the front line through a Ukrainian combat mission observed by DW.

Germany is expanding its exoatmospheric missile shield with a second Arrow-3 deployment in Bavaria, complementing an existing battery near Berlin. The new site in Kaufbeuren will include radar infrastructure, while launchers will be stationed at Fliegerhorst Lechfeld. The expansion, part of a broader procurement effort with Israel, aims to enhance Germany’s ability to detect and intercept ballistic missiles above 100 kilometers.

Keir Starmer anunció su renuncia como líder del Partido Laborista y primer ministro, con Andy Burnham como sucesor probable. El cambio podría afectar la política europea del gobierno británico. Friedrich Merz y Bärbel Bas presentan un informe sobre pensiones, mientras la Bundeswehr realiza ejercicios militares en Lituania.

Donald Trump and Iranian President Massud Peseschkian signed a preliminary 14-point agreement, raising questions about its implications for U.S. economic stability and global conflict costs. SPD politician Siemtje Möller discusses Europe's military role in securing Iran's coastline and regional peace, while the Hamburg Innenministerkonferenz addresses topics like AfD's interior minister and cannabis policy.

Rheinmetall unveiled a 20-foot shipping container system capable of launching 18 FV-014 loitering munitions, each with a 4 kg warhead and 100 km range, at the Eurosatory defense exhibition. The German government awarded Rheinmetall a €300 million contract for the FV-014, joining other domestic companies like Stark Defence and Helsing in supplying loitering munitions to the Bundeswehr.

Germany pledges to build Europe's strongest conventional army, per its new military strategy, as part of increased responsibility for European security. The shift follows Russia's invasion of Ukraine and marks a departure from Germany's postwar military restraint. Tensions between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Donald Trump over Iran policy have complicated NATO dynamics.

NATO allies are increasing defense spending to historic levels due to pressure from Donald Trump and Russia's war in Ukraine, with a goal of reaching 5% GDP by 2035. However, experts highlight a 'commitment gap' between spending and actual military readiness, as countries struggle to replenish war-depleted stockpiles and build sustainable combat capabilities.

A new poll reveals widespread skepticism about Germany's military readiness, with cyber threats sparking greater concern than direct military attacks. In contrast, 2025 saw a record number of German passport applications. The findings were reported by Deutsche Welle (DW).

Germany will deploy a Patriot air defense battery to Turkey from June 2026 through September 2026, relieving U.S. forces as NATO reinforces its southeastern flank following Iranian missile strikes. The 150-soldier contingent will operate under NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence framework in coordination with Turkish and American forces. This deployment represents Germany's contribution to NATO burden-sharing amid persistent pressure from the alliance regarding European defense commitments.

Germany’s top general assures in an interview with The Economist that the Bundeswehr will be 'war-ready.' The statement addresses concerns about the military's preparedness for conflict.