Avatar photo

DPA

Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH is one of the largest, independent and internationally active news agencies, With over 50 locations in Germany and more than 80 correspondent offices around the world.

Germany Clears €6.6m Israel Arms Exports

The flags of Germany and Israel in front of the Saxon State Parliament | File Photo: Robert Michael/dpa

Germany approved €6.6 million in arms exports to Israel during the early weeks of the Iran conflict, government data shows. The figure is lower than post-Gaza war approvals, reflecting ongoing limits on military supplies.

Germany Boosts Ukraine Military Support

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hold a press conference at the Federal Chancellery during the German-Ukrainian government consultations on April 14, 2026, in Berlin | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany and Ukraine have signed new defence deals covering missiles, drones and air defence. Berlin also backed Kyiv’s EU bid and called for the release of EU funds to strengthen Ukraine’s long-term security.

Germany Boosts NATO Role in Lithuania

German Parliament (Bundestag) President Julia Kloeckner is welcomed to the military base by Colonel Andre Hastenrath, Deputy Commander of Panzerbrigade 45 "Lithuania" (L), and Lieutenant Colonel Sebastian Hagen, Commander of the "Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania" on April 09, 2026, at RUkla in Lithuania | Photo: Alexander Welscher/dpa

Germany says its troop deployment in Lithuania shows commitment to NATO’s eastern flank. A new brigade aims to strengthen deterrence against Russia and reinforce security in the Baltic region.

Germany Pushes Toll-Free Hormuz Transit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at the "FAZ" Congress on March 27, 2026 | Photo: Hannes P. Albert/dpa

Germany says shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must remain free and toll-free under international law. The call comes after Iran agreed to reopen the key route during a two-week ceasefire.

Russia Gains Billions From Hormuz Crisis

The merchant vessel Seaway Hawk sails from Bahrain in the Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf while transporting decommissioned U.S. Navy Avenger-class Mine Countermeasures Ships, USS Devastator, USS Dextrous, USS Gladiator and USS Sentry on January 20, 2026 in the U.S. CENTCOM area of responsibility | Photo: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Iain Page

Russia is earning billions as the Hormuz blockade pushes up global oil and gas prices, a German trade body says. Higher prices boost Moscow’s revenues while raising costs for Europe’s economy.

Draft-Age German Men Need Travel Approval

Field jackets hanging at the Bundeswehr stand on August 21 2025 in North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne as the German army looks for new recruits at the Gamescom computer games fair | File Photo: Oliver Berg/dpa

Germany now requires men aged 17–45 to seek approval for stays abroad over three months under its new military service law. The rule supports efforts to track availability as the country works to expand troop numbers.

German Industry Eyes Defence Opportunities

155 millimetre artillery shells stored in a Rheinmetall factory | File Photo: Wolf von Dewitz/dpa

German companies are increasingly exploring defence opportunities as geopolitical tensions drive demand. A new survey shows rising interest, with more firms planning to enter the sector in the coming years.

German MPs Approve €540M Drone Buy

HX-2 AI Strike Drone | Image: Helsing

Germany’s parliament has approved €540 million to buy kamikaze drones for the army, with more funding possible. The systems, shaped by lessons from Ukraine, will first equip Germany’s Lithuania Brigade.

Pistorius Rebukes Trump on Putin Stance

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius speaks to media at the 62nd Munich Security Conference on February 13, 2026 | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany’s defence minister has criticised Donald Trump for treating Vladimir Putin “like a buddy” and cutting support for Ukraine. Boris Pistorius said backing Kyiv remains vital as Russia’s war enters its fourth year.

Germany Eyes Seat on Trump’s Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul speaks to the press at the end of his U.S. trip on January 13, 2026, at Washington, DC | Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany has said it wants to take part in a new US-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza announced by Donald Trump. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin is ready to assume responsibility in the body, which is meant to oversee Gaza’s transitional administration and support the next phase of the peace process.

German Troops Join Danish Mission in Greenland

Danish and German soldiers arrive at Nuuk Airport, Greenland on January 16, 2026 | Photo: Danish Defence Command/Simon Elbeck

A German reconnaissance unit has arrived in Greenland as part of a Danish-led mission to examine NATO’s ability to defend the Arctic. The deployment brings together European partners to assess logistics, surveillance, and possible military contributions amid growing geopolitical tensions over the region.

Germany Starts Draft Process for 18-Year-Olds

Field jackets hanging at the Bundeswehr stand on August 21 2025 in North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne as the German army looks for new recruits at the Gamescom computer games fair | File Photo: Oliver Berg/dpa

Germany’s military has begun sending questionnaires to 18-year-olds as part of the country’s new military service programme. The forms are the first step in assessing interest and suitability for service, as Berlin looks to increase troop numbers under a law that came into force on January 1.

NATO Drills in Germany Amid Greenland Row

Italian soldiers arrive with equipment and vehicles as NATO launches "Steadfast Dart," its largest multinational exercise of the year | Photo: Lars Penning/dpa

NATO has begun moving around 10,000 troops, vehicles and equipment into Germany for its largest military exercise this year. The drills involve forces from 11 countries and are meant to show the alliance’s ability to move quickly across Europe, even as internal tensions grow over Greenland.

German Troops in Greenland Amid Trump Pressure

Greenlandic flags fly in front of the Inatsisartut parliament in the capital Nuuk. Greenland is electing a new parliament on March 11 | File Photo: Steffen Trumpf/dpa

Germany has sent a small military team to Greenland as European countries step up support for Denmark amid US pressure over the Arctic territory. The deployment is part of wider joint exercises aimed at improving security cooperation and strengthening NATO’s presence in the region.

Merz Urges U.S. Role in NATO Security for Greenland

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz visit a kite festival on January 12, 2026 at Ahmedabad, India, marking Merz's first major trip to Asia since taking office | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he expects the United States to take part in a stronger NATO role to improve security in Greenland. Speaking during a visit to India, he said NATO allies share concerns about protecting the Arctic territory and should address them together within the alliance.