Germany's military turn: 3,500 new tanks for NATO defense!

Germany's military turn: 3,500 new tanks for NATO defense!

Germany faces a significant turn in defense policy. The Federal Government is currently examining a billion-dollar order for up to 3,500 new fighting tanks to strengthen NATO defense. This reports Welt . The construction of up to seven new fighting brigades is planned, which are to be equipped with the latest combat vehicles. The decision on the huge order could be made this year.

A special focus is on the procurement of up to 1,000 Leopard 2 fighter tanks and about 2,500 GTK boxer wheel armor. These new vehicles should not only modernize the Bundeswehr, but also represent a reaction to the increasing requirements of NATO. These guidelines became even clearer after the NATO summit in the Hague in June 2025. Tagesschau reports that the military demands on the member states are increased by around a third, which for Germany means that the Bundeswehr troops should rise from around 180,000 to 260,000 soldiers and soldiers.

new structure of the Bundeswehr

The extensive changes in the Bundeswehr not only require new tanks, but also additional soldiers. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius plans to increase troops by up to 60,000 active soldiers. While a discussion about the revival of conscription becomes more intensive, the coalition is currently optimistic and relies on an attractive voluntary military service. dw is urgently needed.

The requirement to achieve NATO goals is no coincidence. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany wants to provide considerable financial resources in order to expand the Bundeswehr into the strongest conventional army in Europe. The federal government is currently planning to invest five percent of the gross domestic product in defense and military technology infrastructure by 2035. This could mean annual expenditure of an estimated 225 billion euros for Germany.

The pressure of NATO

The pressure to increase defense expenditure not only comes from German politics, but is also reinforced by US President Trump. He demanded that European NATO allies take on more responsibility, otherwise he threatened to withdraw military support. The need for additional troops in Europe is becoming increasingly relevant in response to the threats of Russia. Tagesschau explains that Germany does not currently have the necessary capacities to react quickly enough to possible threats.

With these planned changes in armaments policy and the required capacity increases, Germany faces a major challenge. The Bundeswehr will face an exciting, but also demanding chapter in order to meet the new NATO requirements. The goal: to have a powerful and modern army ready that withstands international security requirements.