The North Atlantic Alliance is planning to request an additional seven brigades — around 40,000 troops — from Germany as part of a revision of defense plans and an effort to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank, according to Reuters, citing three informed sources.
NATO is updating its targets for troop numbers and equipment contributions required from member states. The new targets are expected to be agreed upon at a meeting of NATO defense ministers next week.
Although the details remain classified, sources indicate that Germany — a key European ally — will be expected to increase its contribution to 15 brigades. Currently, eight German brigades are under NATO command, and a ninth is being formed in Lithuania, expected to be operational by 2027.
According to Reuters, NATO’s overall target for combat-ready brigades may rise from approximately 80 to between 120 and 130. However, Germany’s ability to meet this demand is complicated by the fact that the Bundeswehr has yet to reach its goal of 203,000 active personnel.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of the Bundeswehr Carsten Breuer has set a target to fully equip the German armed forces with necessary weapons and gear by 2029.
