Overview
- The defense minister said talks between the CDU/CSU and SPD are on the home stretch and he is very optimistic about reaching agreement next week.
- The proposed law is slated to take effect at the start of 2026, with mandatory assessment invitations for all 18-year-olds from mid-2027 and service initially voluntary.
- The opposition seeks an automatic return to conscription if volunteer numbers fall short, a sticking point that remains under negotiation.
- Pistorius defended the Digitalfunk rollout despite installation failures and nonfunctioning software, attributing most issues to industry while acknowledging Bundeswehr shortcomings.
- External consultants are being hired for roughly €156 million to support installation, and Pistorius maintains the timetable can be kept, including growth toward 260,000 active troops by the mid-2030s.