André Wüstner, chief of the Bundeswehr Association, says the German armed forces will need far more troops than currently planned. He told ARD’s Hauptstadtstudio that the figure must exceed 300 000 soldiers.
The German Ministry of Defence presently projects an active strength of 260 000 personnel by the middle of the 2030s. Last week’s data, however, shows the Bundeswehr active roster at 186 200. Wüstner justifies his higher estimate by citing Germany’s NATO commitments.
Wüstner also predicts that a new debate on compulsory service will arise within two years. He argues that the Bundeswehr will have the necessary infrastructure and equipment, but will still fall short on manpower. He doubts that voluntary enlistments alone will solve the problem. On March 24, the Bundestag’s decision to suspend conscription will celebrate its fifteenth anniversary.
Despite the current focus on the Iran war, Wüstner insists that the Bundeswehr and NATO should keep their priorities in the East. He warns that for Vladimir Putin, the next one or two years will present an ideal opportunity to test NATO. “Within NATO, especially following Trump’s actions-trust has eroded-a deterrence gap already exists, and I fear it will grow larger” he said.
