Germany boosts defence spending and tightens service rules for 2029 military goal
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · Apr 30
Germany boosts defence spending and tightens service rules for 2029 military goal
10 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · Apr 30
In Marienberg, General Carsten Breuer warned Russia is expanding to 1.6 million troops as Chancellor Friedrich Merz pushes to make Germany war-ready and Europe’s strongest military force by 2029.
Berlin plans more frequent recruitment, possible troop numbers of 260,000 to 300,000 and deployments to Lithuania, while insisting military ties with US counterparts remain strong despite Donald Trump’s NATO threats.
The buildup faces youth protests over possible conscription, depleted ammunition stocks and urgent pressure to expand drone and munitions production, as Germany seeks stronger deterrence against any Russian move on NATO’s eastern flank.
Germany is building Europe's strongest army, but can it convince its own youth to fight?
Is Germany's military buildup about deterring Russia or preparing for a Europe without America?
Will Germany's half-trillion-euro defense budget actually create a war-ready army by 2029?