Overview
- The defense minister said on ARD he is “very optimistic” coalition negotiators will finalize an agreement next week on the shape of future military service.
- A central dispute concerns the fallback if volunteer numbers are insufficient, with the CDU/CSU pushing for an automatic reactivation of conscription if targets are missed.
- Pistorius intends the new law to take effect at the start of 2026 and proposes inviting all 18‑year‑olds to screening from mid‑2027 while initially keeping service voluntary.
- The Bundeswehr’s Digitalfunk program faces major installation and software problems; external consultants are being brought in at an estimated €156 million, with a system test due at the end of November to determine next steps.
- Germany fields about 182,000 active troops today, and policymakers cite the need to grow toward roughly 260,000 plus reservists to meet NATO commitments.