Applications to join Germany's armed forces have risen sharply since the launch of a revamped military service programme aimed at boosting troop numbers, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
Germany has received about 38,500 applications across all military career tracks so far this year, up 24% from the same period in 2025, while enlistments rose 13% to around 11,000, the ministry said.
The new military service law took effect on January 1 as Germany seeks to meet higher NATO force targets adopted in response to an increased security threat stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Berlin aims to increase the size of its active armed forces to 260,000 personnel from just over 180,000 currently and build a reserve force of 200,000.
As part of the programme, questionnaires have been sent to young people approaching the age of 18 to assess their willingness to serve. Men are required to complete the survey under Germany's constitution, while participation is voluntary for women.
The ministry said about 298,000 questionnaires had been sent by June 18. More than one in five male respondents expressed an interest in military service and around 530 people have already been selected to begin service in 2026.
Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011. The new system remains voluntary, but includes additional incentives to attract recruits.
