Overview
- Some 280 soldiers took their oath on the plaza between the Chancellery and the Bundestag as the force commemorated its founding.
- Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on ZDF the Bundeswehr is “much better than its reputation,” is growing, and he expects agreement on a new service law by the end of the week.
- The Defence Ministry has suspended the handover of military properties for civilian purposes because the expanding force needs to retain sites.
- Pistorius acknowledged stocks dipped as equipment was sent to Ukraine, saying new orders are in the pipeline and procurement is being sped up.
- Military historian Sönke Neitzel cites polling showing record approval and majority support for conscription, while ex-SPD leader Kurt Beck urges a phased, volunteer-first approach before any obligation.