Less America, more Europe in Germany’s new military strategy
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- Germany is shifting its military strategy to rely less on the U.S. and more on Europe for deterring Russian threats, aiming to build the Bundeswehr into the strongest conventional army in Europe.
- The new strategy outlines a phased buildup of military power through 2039, focusing initially on rapid readiness, then capability expansion aligned with NATO targets, and finally achieving technological superiority.
- Germany plans a major personnel increase to at least 460,000 troops, emphasizing the reserve forces as a key component of national defense and logistical support in potential European conflicts.
- The strategy marks a doctrinal shift from rigid force structures to a flexible approach centered on the operational effects the military must deliver, such as long-range strikes and air and missile defense.
- This overhaul responds to the worsening security environment due to Russia’s war in Ukraine and global instability, signaling a break from decades of peacetime assumptions and increased German responsibility within NATO.
