Tag: NATO

Germany Unveils New Military Strategy

Boris Pistorius, German Minister of Defence, presents the German military strategy at a press conference on April 22, 2026 in Berlin. The first military strategy describes how Germany will counter threats. The capability profile is the plan that defines the structure and scope of the armed forces for the future | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany has released a new military strategy to counter Russia, focusing on rearmament and stronger forces. The plan highlights air defence, long-range weapons and new technologies to boost readiness.

Germany Weighs Raising Reservist Age Limit

Bundeswehr soldiers stand on the muster ground | File Photo: Sina Schuldt/dpa

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.

German Military Steps Up School Outreach

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 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.

Finland Proposes Expanded Intel Powers

Finland has proposed expanding civilian intelligence powers to address state-sponsored and cyber threats. The draft law includes new network exploitation measures, broader surveillance authorities, and longer document secrecy periods, and is open for consultation until late May.

Sweden Plans Aurora 26 Military Drills

Tank crews from the 72nd Mechanized Battalion from P7 at Rinkaby firing range during the defense force Exercise Aurora 23 | Photo: Swedish Armed Forces

Sweden will conduct Aurora 26, its largest military exercise of the year, from 27 April to 13 May. The drills will involve over 16,000 personnel and allied forces, focusing on reinforcement operations, coordination, and defence planning under NATO frameworks.

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.

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.

Airbus Unveils NATO Rotorcraft Concepts

Digital rendering of NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capabilities (NGRC) concepts | Image: Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters has revealed two next generation rotorcraft concepts for NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capabilities study. Developed with Collins Aerospace, Raytheon and MBDA, the proposal includes a conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound design.

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.