NATO elects German General Carsten Breuer as Military Committee chair

Vote in Copenhagen

On 19 September 2026, the military chiefs of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization gathered in Copenhagen and elected General Carsten Breuer as the next Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. The 61-year-old German Inspector General won the vote against Canadian Chief of Defence Staff Jennie Carignan, who would have become the first woman to lead the committee. Breuer is scheduled to assume the post in July 2027, taking over from Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who has held the position since 2025. The committee chairmanship carries a standard term of three years. Following the announcement, Cavo Dragone extended congratulations to Breuer on social media.

Your operational judgment, your comprehensive knowledge of the Alliance and your leadership experience in the German Army will greatly benefit NATO.

Leadership and alliance influence

The Chairman of the Military Committee functions as the senior military advisor to the NATO Secretary General and serves as the primary conduit between member states' defense chiefs and political decision-makers. Along with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the chair holds one of the two most influential military leadership positions in the alliance. Breuer's appointment marks the first time a German officer will head the committee in more than two decades. General Harald Kujat was the last German to serve in the position, holding office from July 2002 until June 2005. The election reflects Berlin's expanded defense commitments, with German defense spending standing at approximately 125 billion euros, the highest total in Europe according to NATO figures.

Priority tasks for European security

In statements following the vote, Breuer expressed gratitude for the backing received from allied military chiefs across the alliance. He noted that member nations face demanding assignments to preserve security and stability across the European continent. His stated objective involves synthesizing national viewpoints from all member countries while delivering substantial military counsel to civilian leadership. Breuer emphasized that close coordination among national defense chiefs will remain central to the committee's advisory work.

The support of the chiefs of defense of our NATO allies means a lot to me. In the alliance, great tasks lie ahead for our security and peace in Europe and beyond.

Bundeswehr leadership and succession

Breuer has led the German armed forces as Inspector General since March 2023, directing structural reforms initiated after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Before taking the top military post, he established the Bundeswehr Territorial Command and previously directed the pandemic crisis management task force in the Federal Chancellery. His forthcoming transfer to Brussels in summer 2027 leaves an opening at the top of the German military that Defense Minister Boris Pistorius must address in the coming months. Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, currently serving as Inspector of the Army and formerly head of Germany's military assistance coordination for Ukraine, is viewed as a leading candidate for the role. Pistorius commended Breuer's selection on Saturday.

As Inspector General, General Breuer demonstrated strategic foresight and played a decisive role in reorganising the Bundeswehr. Now he will bring all his experience and expertise to NATO, which faces major, historical tasks.