Germany’s Army Must More Than Double Troops to Counter Russia, Commander Warns

Germany’s army is set for a significant expansion to meet new NATO readiness goals, according to a confidential paper revealed recently. The army needs to increase its active soldiers by 100,000, more than doubling the current force of 62,000. This move is driven by the need to counter increasing threats from Russian aggression in Europe.

Key Points of the Expansion Plan

• The larger force will enable Germany to enhance its contribution to NATO missions.
• Improvements are planned in military equipment, training, and operational readiness.
• Recruitment efforts will be intensified alongside better retention of experienced soldiers.
• Modernization of military infrastructure is also a critical component.

This expansion comes at a time of heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, where NATO members remain wary of Russian military activities. Germany, being a pivotal NATO member, is expected to play a significant role in regional defense strategies.

Challenges and Support

The current size of Germany’s army is considered insufficient for the alliance’s rapid response needs. To meet these new targets, the government must make significant investments and enact supportive policies. While political leaders support strengthening the military, they recognize the difficulty of rapidly increasing troop numbers amid a competitive labor market.

Broader Implications

Analysts view Germany’s planned military growth as part of a broader shift in European security policy, focusing strongly on deterrence and readiness in response to evolving threats.

The German defense ministry has not officially commented on the paper but is expected to address these plans in future discussions. These efforts align with NATO’s collective goal to maintain peace and security throughout Europe.

Stay tuned for more updates from Questiqa Europe News.

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