Germany plans to expand its armed forces by 11,000 personnel by the end of 2025, according to a report by Bild on Saturday. Citing government sources, the tabloid said the increase includes
10,000 soldiers and 1,000 civilian staff, representing a roughly 4% boost in total military personnel.
The move is part of the federal budget planning set to be approved by the cabinet next week.
Germany's Defence Ministry has not commented on the report.
Earlier this month, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Germany would need up to 60,000 more troops to meet new NATO requirements for both weapons and manpower, as the alliance ramps up its defenses in response to heightened concerns over potential threats from Russia. Photo by NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, Wikimedia commons.