Germany’s Ministry of Defense reported a sharp rise in interest and recruitment for the Bundeswehr this year, with a 28% increase in new enlistments compared to the same period in 2024. As of the end of July, roughly 13,750 recruits had been sworn in, bringing the total number of active servicemembers to approximately 183,100. Voluntary military service among young people has also jumped by 15%, which officials attribute to targeted recruitment efforts and growing security concerns linked to the war in Ukraine. By the end of August, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Cabinet is expected to vote on a draft law that would overhaul Germany’s military service system, with the long-term goal of expanding the Bundeswehr to over 300,000 active personnel.