Germany has three years to equip its military against a potential Russian attack on NATO, according to the nation’s top procurement chief, with warnings that Moscow could be ready for a large-scale assault by 2029.

Annette Lehnigk-Emden, head of the Federal Office for Military Procurement, said all essential capabilities must be acquired by 2028. The military’s focus is on acquiring heavy equipment such as Skyranger air-defense tanks. “Everything necessary to be fully prepared to defend the country must be acquired by 2028,” she told Tagesspiegel.

Chief of Defense General Carsten Breuer recently warned of a significant Russian military build-up—especially tanks and ammunition—targeting NATO’s eastern flank.

Merz Government Pledges Hundreds of Billions

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made defense the top priority, with plans to make the Bundeswehr the “most powerful conventional army in Europe.” His coalition is building on momentum started by Olaf Scholz’s government following the 2022 Ukraine invasion.

Germany’s armed forces currently number over 180,000 personnel, with plans to exceed 203,000 by 2031. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius added that 50,000–60,000 new recruits will be needed in the next few years.

U.S. Pressure and NATO Commitments

Donald Trump, who has shaken NATO cohesion with demands and isolationist rhetoric, is now calling for member states to raise defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP. This adds urgency to Germany’s efforts as NATO's deterrence strategy hinges on European readiness.

The sweeping rearmament plan includes bolstering Germany’s domestic arms industry and accelerating international cooperation to meet tight procurement timelines.