The German Defense Ministry reported on Monday that as of July 31 this year, the number of Bundeswehr soldiers was approximately 186,700.
This growth is a relatively rare piece of positive news as Germany and its armed forces seek to increase recruitment, procurement, and defence spending. These efforts aim to meet new NATO targets, address concerns raised by the Donald Trump administration, and respond to threats from Russia and other countries, while facing a series of setbacks and obstacles.
By the mid-2030s, Germany aims to increase the number of regular soldiers to approximately 260,000, about 70,000 more than the current figure, and have around 200,000 reservists. In particular, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has expressed concern that this may be difficult to achieve without re‑introducing some form of military service.
Current Bundeswehr personnel numbers
The Defence Ministry noted that the total number of approximately 186,700 personnel has already allowed the Bundeswehr to reach the target range for personnel numbers for 2026, with several months remaining until the end of the year. The military aimed for the number of personnel to be between 186,000 and 190,000 in 2026 and expects further growth this year.
The ministry also noted that this is the highest figure in about “13 years,” shortly after the abolition in 2011 of compulsory military service for many young men. The total number increased by approximately 3,700 soldiers, or about 2% of the total force, compared with July last year.
The number of applications also increased by 26% year‑on‑year, reaching 47,300. The number of those accepted for service based on these applications rose by 12%, to 15,400 people.
Approximately 61,500 people are professional soldiers on permanent contracts. The majority of the personnel, about 113,000 people, are on long‑term temporary contracts. The number of soldiers on short‑term contracts and volunteers also increased by about 6%, to around 12,100 people.
Impact of new surveys among youth
The Defence Ministry also published information about new surveys on service readiness, which aim to increase recruitment among young people finishing school. The survey, designed to assess readiness, interest, and suitability for service, is sent to both young men and women. Men are required to respond, while women and people of other genders are not.
Responding to the survey does not obligate anyone to any form of service, regardless of the interest shown or abilities demonstrated. The data clearly indicate that the mandatory response requirement has a significant impact on participation.
Out of approximately 194,000 surveyed men, 96% responded. By contrast, out of 184,000 surveyed women and people of other genders, only 4% responded voluntarily. The ministry reported that if respondents who answered “0” to the question about their interest in joining the military (on a scale of 0 to 10) are excluded, the average score is 5.
Thanks to these surveys, 2,630 people underwent evaluation, and 865 people signed up for active service, starting this year or in 2027. “This increase in personnel numbers is a ‘supplement’ to the large‑scale recruitment efforts that have contributed to a very promising number of applications and acceptances mentioned above,” the Defence Ministry wrote.
