Germany’s ambitious military revitalization program is forging ahead. However, a new report presented to the German parliament reveals that a persistent and severe personnel shortage continues to hamper the Bundeswehr’s progress. The report highlights both the significant strides made in modernizing the armed forces and the critical challenges that remain.
A Cash Infusion and New Commitments
The annual report, presented by Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces Eva Högel, paints a picture of a military in transition. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany has dramatically shifted its defense posture. This has involved a massive financial commitment, with defense spending in 2024 reaching NATO’s target of 2% of GDP for the first time in recent years. Total military expenditures exceeded €69 billion ($75.4 billion).
A significant portion of this funding comes from a one-off €100 billion ($109 billion) “Sondervermögen” (special fund) established after the invasion of Ukraine. However, the commissioner noted that only about 18% of this fund remains, raising questions about long-term financing.
Germany is also expanding its international military footprint. Last fall, the country ratified an agreement for its first-ever permanently stationed brigade abroad, a 5,000-strong force to be based in Lithuania. This represents a significant shift in Germany’s traditionally cautious approach to foreign military deployments.
Combat Engagement and a New Branch
The report also detailed the Bundeswehr’s navy’s first-ever engagement in live combat. The frigate Hessen, participating in an EU mission in the Red Sea, fired on Houthi rebels attacking commercial shipping routes. This marked a historic moment for the German navy and underscored the country’s growing willingness to use military force to defend its interests and international security.
In another significant development, the cyber warfare arm of the Bundeswehr was elevated to an entire branch of the military last year, joining the Luftwaffe (air force), navy, and land forces. This reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity in modern warfare and Germany’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities in this domain.
The Persistent Personnel Problem
Despite the influx of funds and new equipment, the Bundeswehr continues to grapple with a critical personnel shortage. At the same time, recruitment increased by 8% last year, with over 20,000 recruits, more than a quarter left after their six-month probationary period. The report reveals that nearly 20% of non-enlisted and 28% of enlisted positions remain vacant. The Bundeswehr is currently 21,826 personnel short of its target of 203,000 active personnel.
This shortage significantly challenges the military’s ability to operate and maintain its new equipment effectively and fulfill its expanding responsibilities. The report suggests that simply increasing funding is not enough to address the problem; a more comprehensive approach to recruitment and retention is needed.
Extremism Within the Ranks
The report also addressed the sensitive issue of neo-Nazi sympathies within the Bundeswehr. Several pages were dedicated to detailing cases of extremist behavior and the institutional shortcomings in investigating and addressing these situations.
A new enforcement mechanism, introduced in 2024 following an amendment to the Soldiers Act, aims to accelerate such proceedings. The report emphasized that while only a “small minority of soldiers” harbor extremist views, this mechanism is a necessary and “sharp and effective means against identified enemies of the constitution in the Bundeswehr.”
The Future of German Defense
Germany’s incoming governing coalition of conservatives and social democrats has pledged to continue the military buildup. Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed exempting defense spending from the country’s constitutionally enshrined debt ceiling, a move that would have been almost unthinkable in fiscally conservative Germany until recently. While this proposal is still subject to political debate, it signals a clear commitment to maintaining a strong military.
The path forward for the Bundeswehr is clear: sustained investment, a more assertive role in international security, and, crucially, a solution to the persistent personnel shortage. The success of Germany’s military transformation hinges on addressing all these challenges simultaneously. The coming years will be critical in determining whether the Bundeswehr can truly become the modern, capable, and fully staffed fighting force that Germany envisions.
