Tag: Bundeswehr

Mercedes-Benz Eyes Defence Vehicle Growth

Newly manufactured Mercedes-Benz Zetros tactical trucks equipped for military defence operations stand parked outside a production hall at the Mercedes-Benz Trucks assembly plant in Woerth am Rhein, Germany | Photo: Katharina Kausche/dpa

Mercedes-Benz has announced a tie-up with drone start-up Tytan Technologies at the International Aerospace Exhibition in Berlin, the centrepiece of which is to be a drone defence system, for which the Stuttgart-based brand is to provide the carrier vehicles.

German Brigade Begins Lithuania War Drills

Commander of the German Army's Panzer Brigade 45 in Lithuania, Brigadier General Christoph Huber, exits a Puma infantry fighting vehicle at the start of the "Freedom Shield 2026" exercise. The brigade's first combat exercise involves 2,900 soldiers from eight nations and 800 vehicles | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany’s new armoured brigade in Lithuania has completed its first live-fire exercise, bringing together nearly 3,000 troops and 800 vehicles from eight NATO nations as the alliance strengthens its eastern defences.

Heckler & Koch Profit Jumps on Orders

Assault rifles manufactured by Heckler & Koch | File Photo: Bernd Weiflbrod/dpa

German firearms manufacturer Heckler & Koch reported a sharp rise of 255% in first-quarter profit and revenue. Strong demand and long-term contracts with NATO armed forces are expected to support future business growth.

Germany Plans Mandatory Reserve Drills

Under a proposed bill, reservists in Germany would be required to serve even in peacetime | File Photo: Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa

Germany is preparing legislation that would require military reservists to take part in training exercises during peacetime. The move is part of plans to expand reserve forces and strengthen military readiness.

German Brigade Holds First Major Lithuania Drill

The 45th German Armoured Brigade Litauen (Panzerbrigade 45) transporting vehicles for Exercise Freedom Shield | Photo: 45th German Armoured Brigade Litauen (Panzerbrigade 45)/Lithuanian Armed Forces

German troops, Leopard tanks and other military equipment have arrived in Lithuania for the first major exercise involving Germany’s new brigade. The Freedom Shield drill brings together NATO forces to train near Russia’s borders.

Germany Sets Up Draft Centres

German soldiers taking their oath of service during a ceremony | File Photo: Jens Kalaene/dpa

Germany is preparing 24 new centres to assess young volunteers for military service as Berlin expands the Bundeswehr under new conscription measures linked to NATO goals and the Ukraine war.

Germany Orders €1B Rheinmetall Gear

The logo of the Rheinmetall armaments group stands at the company's stand during the Enforce Tac trade fair for security and defence on February 23, 2026, at Nuremberg, Bavaria | File Photo: Daniel Karmann/dpa

Germany has ordered €1 billion in infantry equipment from Rheinmetall, including protective gear and digital systems. The package aims to improve coordination and battlefield awareness for thousands of soldiers.

Germany Signs €111B Defence Deals Since 2022

155 millimetre artillery shells stored in a Rheinmetall factory | File Photo: Wolf von Dewitz/dpa

Germany has signed defence contracts worth €111 billion since 2022 under its military overhaul. The government increased spending after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but faces criticism over transparency.

Germany Unveils New Military Strategy

Boris Pistorius, German Minister of Defence, presents the German military strategy at a press conference on April 22, 2026 in Berlin. The first military strategy describes how Germany will counter threats. The capability profile is the plan that defines the structure and scope of the armed forces for the future | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany has released a new military strategy to counter Russia, focusing on rearmament and stronger forces. The plan highlights air defence, long-range weapons and new technologies to boost readiness.

Germany Weighs Raising Reservist Age Limit

Bundeswehr soldiers stand on the muster ground | File Photo: Sina Schuldt/dpa

Germany’s reservists’ chief has proposed raising the age limit to 70 to address recruitment gaps. The plan comes as Berlin reviews military readiness and aims to expand its armed forces and reserve strength by 2035.

German Military Steps Up School Outreach

Field jackets hanging at the Bundeswehr stand on August 21 2025 in North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne as the German army looks for new recruits at the Gamescom computer games fair | File Photo: Oliver Berg/dpa

Germany’s military made over 2,000 school visits in early 2026 as part of a recruitment drive. The outreach follows new service measures and NATO targets, but critics warn it may increase the military’s influence in schools.

Germany Boosts NATO Role in Lithuania

German Parliament (Bundestag) President Julia Kloeckner is welcomed to the military base by Colonel Andre Hastenrath, Deputy Commander of Panzerbrigade 45 "Lithuania" (L), and Lieutenant Colonel Sebastian Hagen, Commander of the "Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania" on April 09, 2026, at RUkla in Lithuania | Photo: Alexander Welscher/dpa

Germany says its troop deployment in Lithuania shows commitment to NATO’s eastern flank. A new brigade aims to strengthen deterrence against Russia and reinforce security in the Baltic region.

Draft-Age German Men Need Travel Approval

Field jackets hanging at the Bundeswehr stand on August 21 2025 in North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne as the German army looks for new recruits at the Gamescom computer games fair | File Photo: Oliver Berg/dpa

Germany now requires men aged 17–45 to seek approval for stays abroad over three months under its new military service law. The rule supports efforts to track availability as the country works to expand troop numbers.