- Jun 25
German defence ministry sees high questionnaire response but only 530 enlist for new military service
Six months after Germany reintroduced military registration, 96% of young men filled out mandatory questionnaires, but only 530 have signed up for service in 2026. Broader recruitment saw double-digit growth.
- Jun 22
Germany's new Lithuania brigade may require conscription, Pistorius warns during first major exercise
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, visiting the first large-scale drill of the new Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania near the Belarus border, said soldiers could be ordered to serve if not enough volunteer for the permanent deployment.
- Jun 18
German warships pass Suez Canal as Berlin prepares for possible Strait of Hormuz mine-clearing mission
Two German naval vessels transited the Suez Canal on Thursday, positioning around 140 troops off Djibouti while the government weighs a parliamentary mandate for a mine-sweeping operation in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Jun 1
German Defense Ministry Admits ‘Mistake’ After Travel Permit Rule for Military-Age Men Likely Illegal
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is under fire after a Bundestag report found his suspension of a controversial travel permit requirement for men aged 18–45 likely illegal. The ministry now admits a ‘mistake’ and promises a legislative fix.
- May 29
Germany Plans Mandatory Reserve Drills: Pistorius Pushes Law to End 'Double Voluntariness' for 200,000-Strong Force
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is advancing a draft law to compel former soldiers to attend regular military exercises in peacetime, scrapping the current system where both reservists and their employers must consent.
