Germany plans to recruit up to 40,000 teenagers a year to expand its army in the face of external threats.

The German government is planning to introduce a voluntary military service program aimed at recruiting up to 40,000 young people a year in a bid to strengthen its armed forces in response to the Russian threat. The bill will be presented at a government meeting in August and promises attractive salaries and flexibility to attract 18-year-olds. The defense ministry hopes to fill 15,000 places this year and increase the annual number by 3,000-5,000 volunteers, with the aim of integrating them into army structures after their service. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he wants to make the German army the strongest military force in Europe.