The new German military strategy covers four core areas: the overall concept of military defense, the new reserve strategy, the personnel expansion plan Bundeswehr as well as the de-bureaucratization and modernization agenda EMA 26.
Overall concept of military defense
The military strategy and capability profile of the Bundeswehr, the “Plan for the Armed Forces”, remains secret. The Ministry of Defense has identified scenarios and determined how the Bundeswehr will “fight if it has to fight”. The Ministry of Defense says the core task will remain national and alliance defense. The following targets are issued:
- The Bundeswehr will be the strongest conventional army in Europe by 2039.
- The Bundeswehr is focused on quickly maximizing defense and endurance capabilities.
- The armed forces are becoming a technologically superior force.
When presenting the new strategy, Pistorius focused on “deep strike” capabilities – military precision strikes on targets far behind the front line – drones, anti-aircraft defense and AI.
“New Reserve” strategy
In the future, 460,000 soldiers are expected to serve in the German armed forces, according to the section on reserves. By 2033, this is expected to grow to at least 200,000 reservists. “The reserve service should also be plannable and reliable for employers,” writes the Ministry of Defense.
This is what the reserve should do:
- Protection and security tasks / homeland security: Among other things, it is intended to ensure the functioning of the logistical hub in the event of an alliance and defense.
- Use in combat
- Participation in training and exercises
Personnel growth plan
The Military Service Modernization Act, which came into force on January 1, 2026, anchors a growth path with quantitative and temporal guidelines for expanding the Bundeswehr’s personnel.
- Target: 260,000 active soldiers
- by 2029: Increase in defense capability and personnel readiness
- by 2039: Capability growth in the dimensions of land, sea, cyber and space
- by 2039: Technological superiority
The Federal Ministry of Defense expects there will be 204,000 soldiers and 140,000 reservists by 2029. This year there have already been ten percent more hirings than last year, said State Secretary Nils Hilmer.
EMA 26
In order to free the Bundeswehr from unnecessary bureaucracy, Pistorius approved the de-bureaucratization and modernization agenda EMA 26. It includes:
- 153 measures in 580 steps
- Tasks that do not directly serve national and alliance defense will be reviewed, re-prioritized or abolished.
- The number of internal regulations is reduced.
- Regulations that have expired are automatically repealed.
- Functions of representatives are being questioned, bundled or abolished.
- Notification and reporting obligations are reduced.
The Ministry of Defense also wants to use artificial intelligence as an “everyday helper” to reduce bureaucracy. In addition, Bundeswehr soldiers will receive a digital wallet in the future.
