The German Government’s National and Alliance Defence Strategy

In April 2026, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius presented new strategic policy documents that set the future direction of the Bundeswehr as Germany’s armed forces.

The Comprehensive Concept for Military Defence, which includes the military strategy and the Bundeswehr capability profile, defines strategic priorities and capability development for the coming years. The military strategy outlines the threat environment and key elements of potential conflict scenarios. The capability profile then sets out the military capabilities required and how development will be managed.

The Bundeswehr Personnel Build-up Plan was also published. This plan addresses the expansion of both military and civilian personnel. It is based on the capability profile and follows three phases:

• Phase one (until 2029)
  Focused expansion to increase defence capabilities and personnel readiness
• Phase two (until 2035)
  Significant capability growth across all domains – land, air, sea and cyber and space – aligned with NATO and national targets
• Phase three (from 2039 onwards)
  Development of technologically advanced armed forces

In addition, the new Reserve Strategy defines the structure of reserve forces and sets targets for increasing personnel levels.

The government also introduced the Agenda for De-bureaucratisation and Modernisation. This aims to ensure a modern, effective and efficient administration.

These strategic documents aim to strengthen operational readiness. They provide clear direction and reflect the current threat environment.

Over the past three years, the German Federal Ministry of Defence has taken significant steps to strengthen deterrence and defence capabilities.

Key measures include:

• the National Security Strategy
• the Defence Policy Guidelines
• increased defence funding aligned with operational needs
• the introduction of a new form of military service
• the Bundeswehr Planning and Procurement Acceleration Act
• the Space Security Strategy
• the Security and Defence Industry Strategy
• large-scale infrastructure, procurement and innovation programmes

Procurement activity has increased significantly. The Ministry focuses on new procurement channels and innovation. It is expanding infrastructure and increasing the number of active service members, reservists and civilian staff.

Germany is taking on greater responsibility within NATO. It is also one of the largest supporters of Ukraine and draws on Ukrainian battlefield experience to inform its own defence approach.

In 2022, Germany established a €100 billion special fund for the Bundeswehr. The fund addresses capability gaps and strengthens defence capacity. It mainly supports large-scale projects, including equipment procurement and modernisation. The aim is to improve operational readiness and meet NATO capability targets.