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Applications to Join Germany’s Armed Forces Surge as Bundeswehr Expands
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Applications to join Germany’s armed forces have risen significantly over the past year, with both recruitment numbers and the overall size of the Bundeswehr increasing, the German Defense Ministry said on March 17, as reported by Deutsche Welle.
According to the ministry, about 16,100 men and women had applied to join the Bundeswehr by the end of February, around 20% more than during the same period in 2025. The number of people who actually entered military or civilian service also grew by 14%, reaching about 5,300.
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Officials said the largest increase was recorded among volunteers signing up for short-term service programs lasting between six and 23 months. The number of such recruits rose by 15% year-on-year to about 13,400.
Germany introduced a new law in 2026 regulating military service, under which all citizens aged 18 and older receive a letter asking them to undergo a medical examination to determine their fitness for service.
The Defense Ministry said the Bundeswehr currently has about 186,200 active personnel, roughly 3,600 more than in February 2025. Against the backdrop of what Berlin describes as a growing threat from Russia, the German government aims to expand the armed forces to about 260,000 troops by the mid-2030s, while increasing the number of reservists to 200,000.
At the same time, Germany has firmly rejected US demands to deploy NATO naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
German officials said the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran does not fall within the alliance’s mandate. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, stated that the conflict has “nothing to do with NATO” and is “not NATO’s war.”
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also urged Washington and Israel to clarify their military objectives before expecting European participation.
The refusal comes after US President Donald Trump warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if European allies fail to provide military support.
In a separate announcement, Germany has pledged an additional $216 million in funding to strengthen Ukraine’s protection against Russian airstrikes.
“Germany is providing an additional €200 million ($216 million) in the coming days to enhance protection against Russian bombings. This funding will support the acquisition of reconnaissance drones and strengthen civil defense efforts, aiming to better protect civilians and safeguard vital infrastructure,” undestag President Julia Klöckner said during a plenary session of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada.
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