Germany plans major military boost, eyes possible return of conscription

Germany faces the urgent need to recruit up to 60,000 additional troops to meet NATO’s evolving defence requirements amid heightened tensions with Russia, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced.

Speaking at a NATO meeting in Brussels, Pistorius revealed that the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, must significantly expand its standing military personnel to align with NATO’s updated collective defence strategy, particularly in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per German media.

“We assume, but this is only a rough estimate to be clear, that we need around 50,000 to 60,000 more soldiers in the standing armed forces than we have today,” Pistorius said.

The minister acknowledged that while Germany is pursuing a more proactive voluntary recruitment system, this alone might not suffice to fill the shortfall in personnel needed for a war-ready posture. He pointed out that the country lacks the current infrastructure to reinstate conscription immediately.

“Although conscription might be necessary at some point, it was of no use at all now because we have the capacity neither in the barracks nor in training,” Pistorius explained. “That's why these capacities must grow. Until then, voluntary participation applies.”

Pistorius’ recruitment model involves voluntary service but retains the option to implement compulsory conscription if necessary. Under this plan, all 18-year-olds would be required to complete a questionnaire assessing their willingness and fitness for military service. While men must respond, women may participate voluntarily. Selected candidates would undergo a recruitment process, with some offered an initial six-month service period, extendable based on individual decisions.

Germany abolished conscription in 2011, transitioning to a fully voluntary military, but the current geopolitical climate has revived discussions on expanding troop numbers. Despite a recent change in government, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union succeeding Olaf Scholz, Pistorius remains Defence Minister, continuing to advocate for increased armed forces capacity.

By Vafa Guliyeva