German troops, Leopard tanks and other military equipment have arrived in Lithuania for the first major exercise involving Germany’s new brigade. The Freedom Shield drill brings together NATO forces to train near Russia’s borders.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a proposal for special EU associate status and renewed calls for full membership, saying Ukraine should have equal rights and a complete role within the bloc.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed a new EU “associate member” status for Ukraine that would bring Kiev closer to EU institutions and security arrangements while delaying full membership rights.
Germany plans to buy an initial 40% stake in defence company KNDS, the maker of Leopard 2 tanks and Panzerhaubitze 2000 systems, as Berlin seeks greater involvement in the defence industry and aims to retain key expertise.
Germany and Ukraine will expand defence cooperation with joint work on drones, air defence and battlefield systems. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius described the relationship as a long-term strategic partnership.
Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom plan to develop systems to detect and stop hostile drones and cyber threats. The project will combine telecom networks, sensors and laser-based technologies to protect key infrastructure.
Germany is preparing 24 new centres to assess young volunteers for military service as Berlin expands the Bundeswehr under new conscription measures linked to NATO goals and the Ukraine war.
Germany plans to expand defence cooperation with Greece, focusing on joint procurement and maritime defence. Talks also addressed EU policy, regional tensions with Turkey, and security issues in the eastern Mediterranean.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that the United States and Germany have shared military interests after the announcement of plans to withdraw U.S. 5,000 troops from bases in Germany over the next year. Officials stress cooperation will continue, while Europe may take on greater security responsibility.
Israeli defence firm Rafael is in talks to take over Volkswagen’s Osnabrück plant as production winds down. The site could be repurposed to support Iron Dome components, with some jobs potentially retained.
Germany’s chancellor said the U.S. is struggling in its conflict with Iran, warning there is no clear path to end it. He said the situation is complex and affecting economies, while tensions continue to impact global trade.
Germany plans to send a minehunter to the Mediterranean ahead of a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The move supports efforts to secure shipping routes after tensions disrupted global trade.
Germany’s chancellor said Ukraine’s path to EU membership is key to ending the war with Russia and suggested ‘part of Ukrainian territory will no longer be Ukrainian.’
A German court hearing for five activists accused of damaging an Israeli defence firm site in Ulm was disrupted by protests and legal disputes. The case relates to a 2025 break-in causing about €1 million in damage.
Germany has ordered €1 billion in infantry equipment from Rheinmetall, including protective gear and digital systems. The package aims to improve coordination and battlefield awareness for thousands of soldiers.
