You need to enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to content
Skip to main menu
Skip to more DW sites
Latest videos
Latest audio
Regions
Africa
Asia
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Germany
Topics
Climate
Equality
Health
Human Rights
Migration
Technology
Categories
Business
Science
Environment
Culture
Sports
In focus
Iran
German politics
Ukraine
Latest audio
Latest videos
Live TV
Advertisement
Image: Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa/picture alliance
Boris Pistorius
Boris Pistorius has been serving as Germany's Defense Minister since January 2023.
Skip next section All Content on this topic
All Content on this topic
Iran war: Is the German military caught in the crossfire?
Retaliatory attacks from Iran have also hit facilities where German troops are stationed in the Middle East.
Germany: Recruitment boost crucial, Bundeswehr report finds
An annual report on the state of Germany's military welcomes rising recruitment but says the rate still falls short.
What Peter Thiel has to do with Germany's drones
Germany is racing to catch up in modern warfare. As the Bundeswehr prepares to buy combat drones, one name is causing political turbulence: Peter Thiel. How much influence does the controversial investor really have — and should lawmakers approve the deal? Host Nina Haase breaks it all down with Christopher F. Schuetze (The New York Times), Emil Archambault (DGAP), and Roman Goncharenko (DW).
What Peter Thiel has to do with Germany’s drones
Germany is racing to catch up in modern warfare. As the Bundeswehr prepares to buy combat drones, one name is causing political turbulence: Peter Thiel. How much influence does the controversial investor really have — and should lawmakers approve the deal? Host Nina Haase breaks it all down with Christopher F. Schuetze (The New York Times), Emil Archambault (DGAP), and Roman Goncharenko (DW).
German Defense Minister Pistorius on new military spending
"We did everything we could do" Pistorius tells DW, speaking at the Munich Security Conference. "I think the United States realize that and acknowledge that. And at the same time, the tone changed on both sides."
Germany, France, others rebuke Trump's NATO troop disrespect
The German defense minister said an apology would show "decency, respect and also insight" from Donald Trump.
Germany: New military service law polarizes society
The new military service will come into effect in January. The Bundeswehr urgently needs to recruit personnel.
Conscription comeback: What's in the deal that affects Germany’s 18-year-olds
It’s a deal: Germany’s coalition has agreed to restart military conscription from January 2026. DW's Berlin Briefing hosts Michaela Küfner and Nina Haase speak to Marcel Bohnert, deputy head of the Bundeswehr Association and Quentin Gärtner from Germany’s school pupils' association about the new model, that will make it compulsory for 18-year-old men to undergo an armed forces physical test.
Conscription comeback: Will Germany find 80.000 new soldiers?
It’s a deal: Germany’s coalition has agreed to restart military conscription from January 2026. DW's Berlin Briefing hosts Michaela Küfner and Nina Haase speak to Marcel Bohnert, deputy head of the Bundeswehr Association and Quentin Gärtner from Germany’s school pupils' association about the new model that will make it compulsory for 18-year-old men to undergo an armed forces physical test.
Germany agrees on conscription framework
If there's a shortage of volunteers, compulsory military service could be reintroduced.
Germany to introduce voluntary military service
All male 18-year-olds will have to fill in a questionnaire. Young men will have to undergo mandatory physical exams.
Will Canada buy German-made submarines?
Germany and Norway hope to persuade Canada to collaborate on a submarine project to strengthen the NATO alliance.
German parliament opens debate on military service bill
Germany aims to double the Bundeswehr's number of servicemen and women in a decade, how is entirely another question.
Chancellor Merz questions voluntary military service plan
Voluntary military service or a return to conscription? The dispute over this issue is flaring up.
How Germany plans to fix its drone problem
For a long time, Germany's army had to make do without combat drones. Now they're looking to catch up fast.
Swedish defense minister explains how Russia is testing NATO
German Defense Minister Pistorius has held talks with his Swedish counterpart Jonson in Berlin. DW has more.
Will Europe stand up to Putin's latest provocation?
A “serious threat to peace” – that’s how Poland sees Russia’s largest drone incursion into its air space so far. German Chancellor Merz agrees. But what will NATO, what will the EU do in response? DW's political quartet including host Michaela Küfner, Nina Haase, Roman Goncharenko and Teri Schultz explore what options NATO and Europe now have.
Will Europe stand up to Putin's latest provocation?
A “serious threat to peace” – that’s how Poland sees Russia’s largest drone incursion into its air space so far. German Chancellor Merz agrees. But what will NATO, what will the EU do in response? DW's political quartet including host Michaela Küfner, Nina Haase, Roman Goncharenko and Teri Schultz explore what options NATO and Europe now have.
Germany's Pistorius: New Rheinmetall arms plant sends signal
DW spoke with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius about Ukraine's military capabilities and the future of the Bundeswehr.
Germany: Would compulsory military service hurt the economy?
The idea of reintroducing compulsory military service is controversial, not least because of an acute labor shortage.
German Bundeswehr sees rising number of volunteers
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius plans to attract more voluntary recruits to the German Armed Forces.
Will Germany's military spending bring economic growth?
The German arms industry is thriving thanks to huge investments. But will the country's wider economy benefit?
Europe's military giant (again?!)
Half of Germans back Chancellor Merz's pledge to spend 5% of GDP on defense. And the other half?! And how comfortable are Germany's European partners with the new German leadership style that includes sweeping commitments to arm up? DW's top correspondents Michaela Küfner and Nina Haase in Berlin and Alexandra von Nahmen at NATO HQ in Brussels analyze what Merz' pledges will mean in real terms.
Europe's military giant (again?!)
Half of Germans back Chancellor Merz's pledge to spend 5% of GDP on defense. And the other half?! And how comfortable are Germany's European partners with the new German leadership style that includes sweeping commitments to arm up? DW's top correspondents Michaela Küfner and Nina Haase in Berlin and Alexandra von Nahmen at NATO HQ in Brussels analyze what Merz' pledges will mean in real terms.
Germany, UK to jointly develop long-range missiles
Germany and the United Kingdom are increasing their military cooperation, to protect Europe from potential attacks.
Power shift in Germany: Who are the new political players?
Who are the power brokers in the new German government? DW’s Michaela Küfner breaks down who Friedrich Merz has chosen for his new cabinet. Together with DW’s Nina Haase she analyzes how Foreign Minister J.Wadephul and incoming Trade Minister Katherina Reiche fit into Merz’ government picture. Special guest is Johannes Winkel, leader of the youth organization of Merz’ Conservative CDU party.
Germany: No return to compulsory military service
The Bundeswehr urgently needs to recruit and that has triggered a debate on a possible return to conscription.
UK, Germany host Ukraine support talks as US takes back seat
Europe has taken the reins of military support for Kyiv, amid uncertainty surrounding Washington's future role.
How Germany's Bundeswehr could spend billions of euros
Germany has paved the way for massive defense spending. What does the Bundeswehr need most urgently?
Pistorius: JD Vance's criticism 'is not acceptable'
In his speech at the Munich Security Conference, the US vice president said free speech was "in retreat" in Europe.
Pistorius says Europe must shoulder security burden
The German defense minister was in Lithuania to oversee preparations for a German army deployment.
Germany's Pistorius: Europe must play bigger security role
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has told DW Europe must take on a greater security load whoever is in the White House.
NATO remains backbone of European security: Pistorius
DW spoke with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Lithuania, where a Bundeswehr brigade will be stationed.
Pistorius in Kyiv ahead of Trump's return and German vote
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is in Kyiv on quite probably his last visit before next month's German election.
Germany plans new homeland security army division
The unit will secure critical infrastructure and key military facilities in preparation for possible war.
German defense minister warns of Russian 'hybrid warfare'
Boris Pistorius said Berlin must be on alert for any hybrid attack by Moscow, amid concerns of election interference.
Germany: SPD's Pistorius says he will not run for chancellor
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has said he has no desire to run for chancellor, and would be supporting Olaf Scholz.
Is Boris Pistorius the man for the job of German chancellor?
Defense Minister Pistorius is Germany's most popular politician — and many want to see him as candidate for chancellor.
Scholz or Pistorius: Germany's SPD to discuss candidates
Pressure is mounting among Germany's Social Democrats to decide on the political future of Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Germany joins multinational force monitoring Korean border
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin is commited to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
Germany's Pistorius talks Middle East, Indo-Pacific with DW
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius spoke to DW about the importance of de-escalation in the Middle East.
German defense minister says military budget gap 'annoying'
Germany's defense minister has voiced irritation after his ministry received less funding than he had hoped.
Germany outlines plans for 'new' model of military service
Germany seeks to boost its neglected defenses amid tensions with Russia with a return to some model of military service.
Germany pledges €500 million in arms support for Ukraine
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced a new arms package for Ukraine focused on air defense.
Germans not worried about war — but should they be?
Politicians in Germany are warning of the threat of a Russian attack. But normal Germans seem to see things differently.
Germany, France agree on new tank deal
A Franco-German armaments agreement calls for developing a new tank to replace Germany's Leopard 2 and France's Leclerc.
Women still rare in Germany's military
For the first time, a woman is commanding a German navy unit. But women are still underrepresented in the Bundeswehr.
EU, NATO growing in popularity in Germany
Germans are feeling the threat of geopolitical instability and are rallying around political and military institutions.
German government wants 'war-ready' troops
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said as he announced his plans to restructure the German army. It will not be easy.
Red Sea: Pistorius visits German ship set for Houthi mission
Boris Pistorius said the frigate's Red Sea deployment would be the German Navy's "most dangerous" mission in decades.
Previous page
Page 1 of 5
Next page
