Germany Names Russia Top Threat in First Post-WWII Defense Strategy

Under the plan, Germany aims to expand its armed forces to at least 460,000 personnel, including active troops and reserves, up from about 184,000 currently. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius visits the TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems) submarine shipyard, in Kiel, northern Germany on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Gregor Fischer / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Germany on Wednesday unveiled its first comprehensive defense strategy since World War II, identifying Russia as the primary threat to European security and warning that Moscow is preparing for a potential confrontation with NATO. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Russia’s rearmament and military posture signal that it views force as a legitimate means to achieve its geopolitical goals. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Russia is preparing for a military confrontation with NATO and is willing to use military force to advance its interests,” Pistorius said while presenting the strategy in Berlin . He added that Moscow is seeking to weaken the alliance by driving a wedge between Europe and the United States and expanding its sphere of influence. The strategy combines a military doctrine with a long-term development plan for the Bundeswehr, outlining force structure, priorities and future capabilities. The document states that Russia is already conducting hybrid operations against NATO members, including Germany, through cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation campaigns and espionage. Such threats have become persistent and require a continuous military response, Pistorius said. Under the plan, Germany aims to expand its armed forces to at least 460,000 personnel, including active troops and reserves, up from about 184,000 currently. The goal, Pistorius said, is to build the strongest conventional military force in Europe. Reservists are to be more fully integrated and equipped as part of the force. Other Topics of Interest Putin Says He Would Meet Zelensky Only to Finalize End of War Dmitry Peskov says a meeting is only possible if negotiators agree on a specific settlement, ruling out talks without previously having established prior terms. German lawmakers have also approved legislation that could enable the reintroduction of compulsory military service. The strategy places a strong emphasis on achieving “information superiority,” including by expanding capabilities in cyber and space domains. It also calls for developing long-range precision strike capabilities, allowing German forces to hit targets deep behind enemy lines, including logistics hubs, infrastructure and command centers. Officials cited lessons from Ukraine’s battlefield, particularly the use of cost-effective drones and precision strikes to disrupt enemy operations. Germany plans to enhance its long-range strike arsenal, including by acquiring JASSM-ER cruise missiles with a range of about 1,000 kilometers for its future F-35 fighter jets, in addition to its existing Taurus systems. The strategy also calls for building a multi-layered air defense system. The government also aims to streamline military administration by reducing bureaucracy, digitizing processes and expanding the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence. Details of the strategy remain classified, with Pistorius saying the move is intended to avoid giving potential adversaries insight into Germany’s military planning. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.