BERLIN – In a significant move to bolster its military capabilities, Germany announced on Thursday a major overhaul of its armed forces, introducing a new central command structure and a special branch focused on cyber defense. This revamp, initiated by Germany’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius, comes as a response to the ongoing security concerns sparked by Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Pistorius emphasized the importance of making it clear that NATO territories, including Germany, are not to be trifled with. “We must communicate our defense readiness credibly,” he stated, underlining the urgency of the situation.
To support this military upgrade, Pistorius highlighted the need for an additional €6.5 billion ($7.06 billion) in the 2025 budget. This increase in funding is part of Germany’s effort to meet the NATO spending goal, which has been overlooked for years. Achieving this target means spending 2% of the country’s GDP on defense, a commitment reinforced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz following the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine.
The new central command will streamline operations by merging two previously separate units responsible for domestic and international missions. This move aims to improve coordination and efficiency, making it easier for NATO allies to work with Germany. Moreover, the creation of a cyber space branch signifies a shift towards addressing modern threats, such as disinformation campaigns and other hybrid warfare tactics.
Although there was no mention of reintroducing compulsory military service, the restructuring marks a clear step forward in Germany’s commitment to strengthening its military presence and capabilities, especially in the digital realm.
This overhaul is part of a broader initiative announced by Chancellor Scholz to modernize the German military and reinforce the country’s commitment to its NATO obligations, ensuring that Germany is prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century.
