Bundeswehr, a state-owned entity based in Germany, was founded in 1990 and employs approximately 3,000 individuals. It functions as the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, encompassing both their military branches and associated civil administration and procurement authorities.
Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on April 25, 2026, unveiled a three-phase plan aimed at establishing the Bundeswehr as Europe's top conventional fighting force by 2039, targeting 460,000 combat-ready troops equipped with AI, advanced air defenses, and superior armor. This follows Germany's historic step on April 24, when it published its first military strategy in 71 years, a significant departure from its long-standing tradition of developing defense strategy primarily with NATO. Earlier, on April 23, Rheinmetall received a major contract from the Bundeswehr for FV-014 loitering munition systems, with deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2027 following qualification from the second quarter of 2026. Also on April 23, Minister Pistorius confirmed Germany's goal to transform its military into Europe’s strongest conventional force by 2039, outlining an ambitious strategy to deter Russia and better prepare for evolving threat scenarios, marking the adoption of the Bundeswehr's first comprehensive military strategy. The day also saw Germany announcing a massive rearmament plan, including the development of new sophisticated offensive weaponry and an increase in military manpower to levels not seen in Western Europe since the Cold War, aiming to free Europe from "big power intimidation."
Subscribe for full access to Bundeswehr's products in full detail 
