Tag: Germany

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.

Germany and India Agree to Deepen Defence Cooperation

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz shares a car ride with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad on Monday | Photo: Government of India

Germany and India have agreed to expand cooperation in the defence sector during talks in Ahmedabad. A declaration of intent was signed during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit, with plans including submarine construction in India and wider cooperation covering defence, technology, jobs, and critical resources.

Germany, France delay FCAS decision indefinitely

Artist's impression of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) aircraft | Image: Airbus Defence and Space

Germany and France have again postponed a decision on the Future Combat Air System, with no new timeline set. The governments cited wider foreign and security talks and unresolved industry disputes, leaving the future of Europe’s planned next-generation air combat system uncertain.

Germany sees sharp fall in arms exports after record highs

Germany approved the sale by the United Kingdom of Eurofighter aircraft to Turkey, earlier this year. A 3D rendered artist's impression of the Eurofighter Tranche 5 | Image: Airbus Defence and Space SAS

Germany approved €8.4 billion in arms export licences in 2025, marking a clear drop after two record years. Government data show a sharp fall in approvals for Ukraine, while Norway became the largest recipient and licences for Turkey rose to their highest level since 1999.

Germany Clears €50bn for New Weapons

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius speaks after a meeting of the Bundestag's budget committee | Photo: Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa

Germany has approved €50 billion in new spending to modernise its armed forces. The funds will be used to buy equipment and clothing for soldiers, expand missile defence systems such as Arrow 3 and Patriot, and purchase additional Puma infantry fighting vehicles.

Germany Opens Counter-Drone Centre

A drone flies over a meadow at sunset. File Photo: Felix Kästle/dpa

Germany has opened a new Joint Drone Defence Centre in Berlin, which becomes operational in January, brings together agencies to counter drone threats, with increasing sightings near airports, military sites and energy facilities.

Germany to Consider Spending €50B on Defence

German Parliament's Budget Committee meeting on November 14, 2025 | File Photo: Elisa Schu/dpa

Germany’s parliament will consider spending around €50 billion on defence this week, covering major arms procurement for the Bundeswehr, including Arrow 3 and Patriot air defence systems and Puma infantry fighting vehicles.

Pistorius cautious on European force for Ukraine

German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, on December 16, 2025 in Berlin | Photo: Christoph Soeder/dpa

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said any European protection force for Ukraine would depend on Russia’s response and unresolved legal and command issues, following talks in Berlin for a force to help secure a possible ceasefire.