Germany security · October 2026

In Germany in October 2026, several developments concerning the Bundeswehr are under discussion. One topic is how voluntary military service can be made more attractive, alongside calls for faster rearmament. An insider describes the Bundeswehr's restructuring as dangerously slow, taking four years instead of four weeks. Interior ministers are meeting for a special session on drone threats and a possible AfD government. Separately, an activist described as right-wing extremist was brought into an exercise by AfD politician Gnauck. Pistorius establishes a drone regiment, Germany's first, in response to the Ukraine war. German troops return home as the Iraq mission ends. A shipyard demands 4.7 billion euros over a frigate project. Europe braces for 'severe hybrid attacks' from Russia, says Friedrich Merz.