Germany to Expand Bundeswehr with New Recruitment Rules from 2026
The German Bundeswehr is set to expand significantly over the next decade, aiming to grow its professional force to approximately 260,000 soldiers and increase its reservist numbers to about 200,000. This expansion represents an increase of roughly 80,000 professionals and 60,000 reservists.
Starting from January 1, 2026, all 18-year-old men in Germany will be required to complete a suitability questionnaire as part of revised recruitment efforts. Within about two years, an obligatory health test is expected to be introduced to identify those who could be available for military service in the event of a full-scale war. This new approach to recruitment follows heightened security concerns sparked by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing defensive deterrence over aggression.
To attract recruits, the Bundeswehr plans to raise wages and provide several benefits, including language courses, subsidised driving licences, free second-class train travel while in uniform, and opportunities to gain new qualifications. Outreach efforts are also being expanded across a variety of public venues and events, such as career lounges, discovery days, and girls' days, targeting large audiences. For example, the Bundeswehr's presence at the Essen Motor Show alone is reported to have reached more than 200,000 visitors over ten days.
Public opinion on these measures is divided. About half of all Germans support conscription, whereas approximately 63% of young people oppose it. Meanwhile, the German government has committed to increasing defence spending to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2029, with plans for billions more in military funding.
