Germany: Security

Domestic

The Bundeswehr faces significant structural challenges, with a major report from military commissioner Otte identifying a persistent personnel shortage as its primary issue. Otte criticized the military's top-heavy and ineffective structures and expressed skepticism regarding plans for a new form of military service. Operationally, the air force conducted more frequent scrambles in 2025, practiced large-scale medical evacuations, and gained new legal authority to shoot down drones. Defense Minister Pistorius separately affirmed that the German military will not participate in the war in Ukraine.

In the defense industrial sector, Rheinmetall reported a 45% growth in sales and profits, attributing this to increased European defense spending. The company significantly raised its dividend and completed the strategic acquisition of a naval shipbuilding subsidiary from Lürssen, expanding its capacity to build unmanned drone boats and other naval vessels.

International

A global shortage of Patriot air defense missiles and interceptors is affecting international security dynamics. This scarcity is impacting supplies to Ukraine and has prompted discussions about relocating existing systems to the Middle East. Production delays associated with the shortage are also leading countries, such as Switzerland, to explore alternative European air-defense options.