The German armed forces are demanding a dramatic expansion of their ranks by 2029 and beyond, aiming to become the dominant army in Europe, according to a classified memorandum signed by Lieutenant General Alfons Mais.
The matter was reported on X by Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, a Member of the European Parliament from the Law and Justice party. The politician attached scans of the document to his post.
He notes that Lieutenant General Alfons Mais warns that Berlin’s current force levels fall far short of what NATO expects under its new planning objectives for 2035.
“The general presents a comprehensive expansion plan that would nearly double the number of active positions and more than triple territorial defence units within the next decade,”
writes the MEP.
He adds that the document was sent earlier this month to the Ministry of Defence and the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr.
It contains arguments that “only a significantly larger army will provide Germany with credibility in deterring adversaries and in waging high-intensity warfare alongside its allies.”
„Niemieckie siły zbrojne domagają się dramatycznej ekspansji swoich szeregów do 2029 roku i później, dążąc do stania się dominującą armią w Europie, wynika z tajnego memoriału
— Jacek Saryusz-Wolski (@JSaryuszWolski) September 13, 2025
szefa armii, gen. por. Alfonsa Maisa”
⬇️pic.twitter.com/Lh8Fw2rvtD