Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has urged Germany to prepare for war, expressing concerns that the conflict could spread to Europe. He indicated that citizens might need to return to some form of compulsory military service.


On Wednesday, June 5, Pistorius stated that Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, must be strengthened to prepare for potential operations by the end of the decade.

Pistorius voiced these concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, considering the broader security threat to Europe.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated, "We must be ready for war by 2029," during a question-and-answer session in Germany's parliament, the Bundestag. "We must take precautionary measures to avoid the worst-case scenario."

Pistorius emphasized the need for increased funding, the purchase of military equipment, and the recruitment of new troops. He has instructed his ministry to explore possible actions to achieve these goals.

Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011. However, a survey by the research institute Forsa published last March indicated that nearly half of German citizens support its reinstatement.

Chancellor's 20 Eurofighter Orders

Last Wednesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that his government would support the defense industry, calling for closer cooperation among Europe's defense equipment manufacturers.

"Today we see more clearly than ever how important it is to have a European and German defense industry," Scholz said at the opening of the International Space Exhibition in Berlin. He stressed the need for an industry capable of producing all types of weapons and necessary ammunition.

Scholz stated that Russia's attack on Ukraine, in violation of international law, has brought new realities to Germany's security policy. At the event, he announced the purchase of 20 additional Eurofighter jets from Airbus to bolster Germany's defenses.