The strategy sets out a three-phase expansion of troops and capabilities as Germany aims to become Europe’s strongest conventional force.
Chris Lunday
The rethink of German defense policy centers on a phased buildup of military power stretching into the next decade.
In the first phase, through 2029, the focus is on “rapidly maximizing” readiness and endurance — essentially preparing the Bundeswehr to fight and sustain operations at short notice.
The second phase, running to 2035, centers on a structured expansion of capabilities across all domains, aligned with NATO targets.
The final phase, extending toward 2039, aims to transform the Bundeswehr into a technologically advanced military built around innovation and future capabilities.
Alongside this buildup, the strategy marks a doctrinal shift away from rigid force structures toward a more flexible approach. Instead of defining the military by numbers of tanks or aircraft, planners are instructed to focus on the “effects” the Bundeswehr must deliver — from long-range strike to air and missile defense.
The plan also calls for a major personnel expansion, targeting a force of at least 460,000 active and non-active troops. Currently, there around 185,000 active-duty soldiers in the Bundeswehr. The reserve itself is to be elevated to a central pillar of national defense, reflecting Germany’s role as a logistical hub in any future European conflict.
