Germany’s reservists’ chief has proposed raising the age limit to 70 to address recruitment gaps. The plan comes as Berlin reviews military readiness and aims to expand its armed forces and reserve strength by 2035.
Germany’s military made over 2,000 school visits in early 2026 as part of a recruitment drive. The outreach follows new service measures and NATO targets, but critics warn it may increase the military’s influence in schools.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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’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 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.
