German military on track to achieve increased recruitment figures

German military strength reached 186,700 at the end of July, the highest number of active soldiers in 13 years, putting it on track to meet government targets, the Defence Ministry announced in Berlin on Monday.

The figure was up by 3,700 men and women, equivalent to 2%, compared with July 2025.

The target for 2026 had been set at between 186,000 and 190,000 soldiers, as the country increases defence expenditure that was severely cut back after the end of the Cold War.

The number of applications in July was up 26% on the year, with around 47,300 people applying.

According to the figures, around 12,100 voluntary military service personnel and short-term enlisted soldiers are currently serving as part of the new military service system. This represents an increase of around 6% on last year.

By July 31, a total of around 378,000 questionnaires for military registration had been sent out, the ministry said. Around 96% of men and around 4% of women and people who identify as other genders have responded so far. Filling in the form is obligatory for men and voluntary for women.