German Bundeswehr hits 190,000 troops, highest since 2013; Pistorius keeps voluntary service

The German armed forces have reached over 190,000 active soldiers, the highest level since 2013, reflecting ongoing force growth amid heightened threat perception from Russia. Defense Minister Pistorius has reaffirmed the continuation of voluntary service, resisting calls for conscription. This marks a notable reversal of the post-Cold War drawdown trend, though the force remains below NATO's 2% GDP spending target and faces recruitment challenges.

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