German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attend a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of Germany’s accession to NATO, at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium April 28, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab

BERLIN, July 31 (Reuters) – Germany’s armed forces reported a 28% surge in soldier recruits from January to late July, compared with the same period last year, bolstering plans to boost NATO defences in response to what it sees as an increased threat from Russia.

The Defence Ministry said on Thursday more than 13,700 people had joined the Bundeswehr – the army, air force, navy and other forces – in that period, in what it said was the steepest rise for years.

Germany wants to have 260,000 active soldiers by the 2030s, from 183,000 now, to meet new NATO force targets and strengthen its defences – part of a planned surge in military spending underpinned by this year’s decision to loosen budget constraints.

Interest in joining the armed forces also rose, with initial consultations rising by 11% and applications by 8%, while civilian sector applications jumped by 31%, the ministry said.

Germany abolished conscription in 2011, leaving the country without a systematic registry of eligible recruits.

From next year, the government plans to require all men turning 18 to complete a digital survey on their interest in joining the army.

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