Bundeswehr
Berlin has postponed indefinitely the procurement of up to 75 JASSM-ER missiles with a range of approximately 900 km. The decision was linked to shifting priorities following Russia’s invasion.
Vector and Reliant drones from Quantum Systems have been equipped with a new SAR radar, enabling reconnaissance in rain, fog, and darkness. It is unknown whether these drones will be supplied to Ukraine, but the company has facilities in the country.
The German army has a shortage of around 2,000 service members for the permanent deployment of a brigade in Lithuania by 2027. Only 60% of positions have been filled, and the Defence Ministry is considering compulsory recruitment.
During the night of August 7, security at the Bundeswehr base in Mechernich recorded six flights by suspicious drones. Police suspect that these may have been Fly-380 VTOL models with a range of up to 400 km.
CSU leader Alexander Hoffmann called for an agreement with Ukraine on the transfer of unmanned technologies to the Bundeswehr. He believes that Kyiv is hiding these developments for military-strategic reasons.
General Christian Freuding called for preparations for war with the Russian Federation by 2029. This is an intelligence assessment supported by all 32 NATO member states.
Near the border with Belarus, 2,900 NATO troops conducted their first exercises. The unit utilizes 300 drones and incorporates combat experience from the war in Ukraine.
Angela Merkel hopes for the war in Ukraine to end in 10 years. She believes that by then, the state will become fully free and independent.
STARK and IBM have created a system for rapid drone software updates in combat zones. The technology allows drones to be adapted for specific missions.
Rheinmetall's revenue amounted to 1. 9 billion euros, compared to the expected 2.3 billion euros. The company attributes this to payment deferrals and an accident at its Spanish plant.
The US will withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany and cancel artillery deployments. Defense Minister Pistorius urged Europe to strengthen its own security.
During a visit to the army, Merz emphasized the importance of NATO and the partnership with the US. He called for Bundeswehr reform and a fair burden-sharing.
Virtus and Vector drones are being integrated into a single AI-driven system for autonomous target acquisition. The complex allows for the automatic detection and destruction of objects.
The Budget Committee blocked the purchase of 900 diesel containers due to the price rising to 291,000 euros. Members of Parliament are demanding new negotiations.
The German Minister of Defense plans to increase the size of the army to 460,000 personnel. The main goal of the strategy is to counter threats from Russia.
Boris Pistorius has restricted the use of private phones and smartwatches in the Bundeswehr. Devices are prohibited from being brought to meetings with classified information.
Starting in 2026, men aged 17-45 must obtain Bundeswehr permission to leave Germany for more than three months. The rule is permanently in effect during peacetime.
Iran struck the Al-Azraq base, where German and US troops are stationed. German soldiers were in shelters, so there were no casualties.
The German parliament has adopted amendments to the Air Safety Act, granting law enforcement and the army broader powers to neutralize drones. Illegal entry into airfields is punishable by up to five years in prison.
More than half of German citizens support increasing military and financial aid to Ukraine if Russia refuses peace talks. 52% of respondents believe that the West should increase aid to Kyiv.
German company Stark has signed a contract to supply Virtus drones to a NATO country. The first drones will be delivered to the customer in February 2026, with full contract execution planned by the end of August.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that over 40,000 questionnaires have been sent to potential military personnel. The reform, which started on January 1, provides for mandatory completion of questionnaires for men and voluntary for women.
The German armed forces are preparing for a worst-case scenario of a Russian attack on NATO in two to three years. Lieutenant General Funke does not rule out thousands of wounded daily and hybrid threats.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Berlin cannot supply Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems from its own stocks. Germany has already transferred more than a third of its own Patriot capabilities and is awaiting replacement of the transferred systems.
German companies Rheinmetall and OHB are developing a satellite network for the Bundeswehr, which will become a European alternative to Starlink. The project will provide secure internet for the German army, reducing dependence on American technologies.
Germany is expelling Russia's deputy military attaché within 72 hours after the arrest of Ilona W. , suspected of espionage. The diplomat, accredited as Andrei M., is suspected of directing the spy who collected military information for the Russian Federation.
German military personnel left Greenland prematurely due to poor weather conditions. The visit, which was supposed to last until January 18, ended earlier, but cooperation with the Danish military was called successful.
Germany is urgently sending a Bundeswehr reconnaissance group to Greenland. This operation is Europe's response to US ambitions regarding the island.
The Bundeswehr has dismissed nine paratroopers, and initiated dismissal procedures against four others, due to accusations of sexual harassment, extremist views, and drug use. Investigations are ongoing, 26 individuals are considered suspects, and 17 soldiers have been temporarily suspended from duty.
On December 1, 2025, three unknown UAVs were spotted over Annaburg airbase. The German military failed to shoot them down, assuming the drones were reconnoitering the location of the Arrow-3 missile defense system.