Germany is bracing itself for an era of heightened military readiness, with the government urging cities and municipalities to prepare for the unthinkable: war on German soil. The move, reported by Correctiv on August 18, 2025, signals a profound shift in the nation’s defense posture and a recognition of growing threats on Europe’s eastern flank. As the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, steps up confidential consultations with local officials, the country’s ambitions have expanded beyond mere self-defense—Berlin now seeks to build Europe’s most formidable army.
In recent weeks, high-ranking Bundeswehr officers have visited regional administrations across Germany to discuss wartime preparedness. According to Correctiv, these meetings, held under the framework of the Operationsplan Deutschland (Germany Operational Plan), are designed to ensure that the country’s infrastructure is ready for potential conflict, whether in Germany or Eastern Europe. A spokesperson for the Bundeswehr’s Operational Command confirmed, “Talks have been ongoing for some time, particularly with representatives of the federal states.”
The Operationsplan Deutschland, first presented to the German District Association in February 2025, aims to prepare logistical systems for a range of war scenarios. The plan’s core objective is to establish a credible deterrent—one robust enough to prevent an attack on Germany and, ideally, avoid war altogether. As outlined in a Bundeswehr presentation, the plan is a direct response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and is intended to strengthen the defense of NATO’s eastern flank.
“The plan is a direct response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” the Bundeswehr emphasized, underscoring the urgency of the moment. The consultations with district leaders and mayors are part of OPLAN DEU, a strategy aligning central military elements for national and alliance defense with essential civilian support. In times of crisis or conflict, the aim is to act decisively and within constitutional boundaries, always following political decision-making.
Local leaders have been asked to identify vital facilities—key intersections, bridges, and emergency wells—that would require protection from sabotage or attacks. The Bundeswehr has also recommended reopening underground cellar connections in city centers, which were once sealed off, so survivors of bombings can be rescued from collapsed buildings. “We must be prepared for everything,” one district leader told Correctiv, capturing the gravity of the discussions.
Yet, the push to bolster civil defense is just one part of a sweeping transformation. Germany is simultaneously ramping up its military acquisitions and seeking to transform the Bundeswehr into Europe’s most capable force. The roots of this shift trace back to just days after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared a Zeitenwende—a historic turning point—pledging greater support for Ukraine and an unprecedented strengthening of Germany’s armed forces.
To realize these ambitions, the German government established a €100 billion special military fund to be spent over five years. This fund, according to Correctiv, enabled Germany’s defense budget to surpass the NATO target of 2% of GDP in 2024. But the extra resources are dwindling, and inflation has already nibbled away at their purchasing power. Critics have pointed out that, despite the headline-grabbing sums, modernization has been too slow and too narrow—especially when compared to Poland’s rapid military expansion. Furthermore, Germany’s own stocks of key equipment, such as air defense and artillery, have shrunk, partly due to large-scale deliveries to Ukraine.
With the special fund running dry and the pressure to modernize mounting, a new chapter began in May 2025. Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was appointed Germany’s chancellor after securing a Bundestag majority. According to a report on Germany’s international standing, Merz’s rise has already led to a marginal improvement in Berlin’s political position in Abu Dhabi, a key player in the Middle East’s defense market.
Chancellor Merz wasted no time in charting a bold new course for German defense. He announced a €500 billion military build-up, aiming to create Europe’s most powerful ground force. To fund this massive expansion, Merz’s government amended the constitution to suspend the so-called “debt brake,” allowing for borrowing on a scale not seen in decades. This move, while popular among defense hawks, has sparked heated debate about the long-term sustainability of Germany’s cherished welfare model. As one observer put it, “How far will Germany go into debt to rearm without dismantling its welfare model?”
In July 2025, the German cabinet approved draft legislation to accelerate weapons acquisition, cutting through red tape and raising the threshold for high-value contracts. The bill explicitly identifies Russia as “the most immediate threat to peace and security” and underscores the urgency of meeting NATO’s defense goals. Germany is now preparing a wave of multi-billion-euro procurement orders, including the purchase of 20 new Eurofighter jets, up to 3,000 Boxer armored vehicles, and as many as 3,500 Patria infantry fighting vehicles.
Behind closed doors, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reportedly told lawmakers that the government’s top priority is to transform the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest conventional force. This ambition is not just about numbers—it’s about signaling to both allies and adversaries that Germany is serious about its security commitments. The Bundeswehr’s efforts to coordinate with civilian authorities, as seen in the recent consultations, are part of a broader strategy to ensure that the country’s defense apparatus is both agile and resilient.
Beyond its borders, Germany’s military renaissance is being closely watched by partners and rivals alike. The report on Germany’s standing in the UAE’s defense market highlights that Emirati officials are evaluating German defense systems with renewed interest, even as the UAE continues to rely on a range of alternative suppliers. President Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed’s defense procurement mindset and priorities reflect the UAE’s pragmatic approach, but the improved political standing of Germany under Chancellor Merz could open doors for deeper cooperation.
The stakes are high. Germany’s rearmament is not just about tanks and jets—it’s about the country’s role in a rapidly changing world. The question of fiscal responsibility looms large, as does the need to balance military ambitions with social welfare. And while the government’s rhetoric is clear, the path ahead is fraught with political, economic, and strategic challenges.
As Germany steels itself for a more uncertain future, the message from Berlin is unmistakable: the country is determined to defend itself and its allies, whatever the cost. Whether this new course will truly make Germany the anchor of European security—or strain its social fabric—remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Zeitenwende is here, and Germany is ready to meet it head-on.
