Germany once again striving to build the most powerful military !

Berlin (Germany) – Tensions have arisen between the United States and Europe over the Greenland issue. At the same time, the Russia–Ukraine war has been ongoing for the past four years. Against this backdrop, Germany has now begun efforts to once again build a powerful military. To this end, budgetary allocations for defence spending have been increased. To attract young people into the armed forces, a proposal offering a monthly salary of approximately ₹2.5 lakh is being made. The growing threat from Russia and the erosion of trust in the United States during the Trump era have made Germany realise that it must now shoulder responsibility for its own security. As early as May 2025, Chancellor Friedrich Merz had told Parliament that the German armed forces must become ‘the strongest military in Europe’.

Since the beginning of this year, an important application form has been sent to 18-year-old boys across Germany, asking them how physically and mentally fit they are to join the armed forces. Military recruitment in Germany is voluntary; however, a new law empowers the government to impose compulsory military service if the need arises. Until November last year, Germany’s active military strength stood at 1,84,000. Between May and November 2025, this number was increased by 25,000.

Germany’s growing power worries Russia

Germany’s rising military strength is causing concern in Russia. Last month, Russia’s ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechayev, said in an interview that Germany’s new government is rapidly preparing for a potential war with Russia.

Germany has stated that this situation has arisen because Russia has refused to withdraw from Ukraine. For this reason, Germany is spending 108 billion euros (approximately ₹9.70 lakh crore) this year on military restructuring.