Germany may revive compulsory military service by mid-2027, says Senior MP

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BERLIN: Germany may revive compulsory military service by mid-2027 to address critical recruitment shortages and bolster its armed forces.

Facing escalating security threats from Russia and growing unpredictability regarding United States security guarantees, Berlin must decide on reinstating conscription by July 31, 2027, according to parliamentary defence committee chairman Thomas Roewekamp.

The nation has committed to raising its troop numbers to 260,000 by 2035, a substantial jump from the current 185,000 personnel. However, a newly introduced voluntary service model has floundered, yielding just 530 recruits from 300,000 young men contacted over five months.

 Roewekamp expressed serious doubts that voluntary enlistment can fulfill these targets, especially for specialized roles operating tanks, jets, and air defense systems.

If reinstated, mandatory service would selectively draft necessary personnel rather than all 350,000 young men turning 18 annually. The proposal has already triggered public demonstrations, highlighting a stark generational divide on defense matters since Germany suspended conscription in 2011.

Amid warnings that Russia could target a NATO member by 2029, Roewekamp urged Europe to build independent military capabilities untied from national industrial interests or shifting Washington politics. Unity remains crucial ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara to counter Russian aggression.