Brigadier General Christian Freuding has been named the next Chief of Defence of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), according to the Federal Ministry of Defence, which announced the appointment on Thursday. Freuding, who currently serves as the Inspector of the Army, is set to succeed General Carsten Breuer in February 2027. Breuer will take on the role of Chairman of the NATO Military Committee in September.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) emphasized that the Bundeswehr requires a strong and astute leader. He stated that Freuding possesses all the necessary qualities to guide the armed forces into a “new era.” In his capacity as Head of the Special Staff for Ukraine, Freuding analyzed the technical developments within the conflict and subsequently derived measures to enhance the defensive capabilities of the Bundeswehr.
Freuding holds advanced degrees in Political Science and is a trained military reconnaissance specialist. His experience includes various leadership roles and operations in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Afghanistan. Since 2022, he has been leading the Special Staff for Ukraine. Furthermore, between 2023 and 2025, he directed the Planning and Leadership Staff within the Ministry of Defence. Most recently, in October 2025, Pistorius appointed him to lead the Army.
