The German army, while continuing to rearm, still faced serious personnel shortages last year. The annual report, presented to the German parliament on Tuesday, outlines both the army’s new directions and the challenges it faces. The report also detailed key developments, such as Europe continuing to take a more assertive role in military interventions and the German Navy opening fire in combat for the first time.
The New Direction of the German Army: Increased Armament and International Roles
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has radically changed Germany’s perspective on its armed forces. During this period, Germany has made a major cash injection worth hundreds of billions of euros to increase its military power internationally. The country has allocated significant financial resources to modernize its army. In addition, Germany has approved its first brigade to be permanently deployed abroad to take a more active role in foreign military operations. This brigade, built in Lithuania, will consist of 5.000 personnel and will contribute to Germany’s goal of increasing its military influence.
The Navy's First Fire: A New Era
In another important step, the German Navy fired live ammunition for the first time in 2024. The Hesse frigate, which was on an EU mission against Yemeni Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, entered combat while protecting vital shipping routes in the area. This development is a sign that Germany is becoming more active and determined in its military interventions. Such operations contribute to the growth of Germany’s military power in Europe and the strengthening of its role in global military affairs.
Increase in Defense Expenditures and New Investments
By 2024, Germany had increased its defense spending to its highest level in years, meeting NATO’s 2% defense spending target. The country’s 2024 defense spending exceeded €69 billion ($75,4 billion). Much of this increase was provided by a €100 billion special fund established immediately after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Much of the spending from this fund was directed toward investments in air defense. Germany has agreed to purchase the Skyranger 2024 from Rheinmetall and the Arrow 30 from Israel in 3.
Staffing Issue: Both New Hires and High Leave Rate
Despite Germany’s major investments in defense, one of the army’s biggest challenges remains personnel shortages. By 2024, the Bundeswehr will have recruited more than 20.000 new personnel, with a quarter of these recruits leaving after a six-month probationary period. At the same time, the army is still 203.000 short of its target of 21.826 active personnel. Although the army has increased its recruitment rate to address the personnel problem, there are serious concerns about the sustainability of these recruitments.
Structural Reforms and the Importance of Cyber Warfare
The structural changes in the German military have reached a significant stage in 2024. The cyber warfare arm will become a full-fledged part of the German army, along with the Luftwaffe, Navy and Land Forces. This reform aims to strengthen the army’s capabilities in the digital battlespace while also being prepared for future military threats.
Neo-Nazi Sympathizers and Institutional Challenges
The report also highlights measures taken against neo-Nazi sympathizers in the army. The presence of extremist minorities, especially among the ranks, combined with institutional deficiencies pose a serious security problem. In one case, a soldier allegedly played an SS song for his comrades. However, the case was brought to court years later and witnesses could not remember who played the song. A new enforcement mechanism was implemented in 2024 to deal with such cases swiftly. This mechanism is being praised as an effective means of combating constitutionally defined enemies in the army.
Political Stability and Future Perspective
The government in Germany has promised to increase defense spending and continue modernizing the military. The new ruling coalition aims to take significant steps to revitalize the country's military power. In particular, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal to exempt defense spending from Germany's constitutional debt ceiling has caused a major political controversy. This proposal could change Germany's fiscal discipline and pave the way for further military growth.
Germany's Military Rise and Its Challenges
Germany’s defense policy has undergone a significant transformation following Russia’s attack on Ukraine. With armaments, new military interventions, and structural reforms, Germany continues to take on a more assertive role as a global military power. However, challenges such as the army’s personnel problems, cybersecurity threats, and the presence of extremist views remain major obstacles for Germany. Future developments will depend on how Germany addresses these challenges and sustainably increases its military power.
