Germany Seeks Faster Military Buildup After U.S. Troop Withdrawal Order

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke off script at an event in the Sauerland region last month and appeared to criticize the United States for its handling of the Iran war. Germany currently hosts more than 35,000 U.S. troops. The canceled missile deployment was intended to strengthen deterrence against Russia.

Berlin has stated it wants to discourage the troop withdrawal and is preparing for possible adjustments.

Germany's updated military strategy calls for 260,000 active personnel and 200,000 reservists. Current active strength stands at about 186,000. Officials have reported an increase in recruitment, though conscientious objection remains widespread. Germany also lacks long-range strike systems.

Germany has pledged to meet new NATO defense spending targets ahead of the United Kingdom and France. Rafael Loss, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said U.S. troops are better trained than most European forces and that relocating units with families would be difficult.

He added that the NATO force model requires rapid deployment of up to 800,000 troops within 180 days. Germany and other European countries are developing long-range cruise missiles through the European Long-Range Strike Approach. Loss recommended pairing existing missiles such as Taurus and Storm Shadow with range-extension boosters to increase reach.