Germany needs up to 60,000 more troops, says defense chief
June 5, 2025
Germany's military, the Bundeswehr, will require an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 additional troops to meet NATO's updated defense requirements amid the growing threat from Russia, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Thursday.
Germany is seeking to adapt its military posture in response to NATO's plans for collective defense, as the alliance continues to shore up its eastern flank after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"We assume, but this is only a rough estimate to be clear, that we need around 50,000 to 60,000 more soldiers in the standing armed forces than we have today," Pistorius said at a NATO meeting in Brussels.
Pistorius admitted that plans for a more pro-active voluntary system system of recruiting might not be enough to bridge the gap as Germany adapts to a war-ready footing.
Although conscription might be necessary at some point, the minister said, it was "of no use at all now because we have the capacity neither in the barracks nor in training."
"That's why these capacities must grow," the minister said. "Until then, voluntary participation applies."
How can Germany build up its troop numbers?
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a holdover from the center-left Social Democrat-led government of former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has pushed the idea of building up the armed forces.
Friedrich Merz of the conservative Christian Democratic Union took over as chancellor last month, but decided to keep the well-regarded Pistorius on as defense minister.
Pistorius has promoted a model that relies on voluntary service that also allows the country to make conscription compulsory if needed.
Under these terms, all 18-year-olds would be sent a questionnaire about their interest in the army and their physical condition.
While all young men would be obliged to return the questionnaire, it would be voluntary for women.
A number would then be invited to participate in a selection process. Some would be recruited for an initial six-month period, with the option to extend.
Germany had conscription in place for young men until 2011, when the rule was scrapped.
Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher