In response to perceived threats from Russia and shifts in US foreign policy, Germany is aiming to bolster its military. A new bill aims to increase the number of soldiers to 260,000, with an additional 200,000 reservists by 2035. The plan includes financial incentives for voluntary enlistment and the potential for mandatory call-ups if quotas aren’t met. While the government is optimistic, the reintroduction of any mandatory conscription has sparked debate, with concerns about its impact on young people and differing views on the necessity of military service.
Read More
Following recent clashes with Israel and the United States, Iran is formalizing plans for a major military expansion, with Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani stating the country could sustain a war for up to a decade. The Iranian National Security and Foreign Policy Committee approved a draft bill to strengthen the armed forces in response to Israeli threats, a move that follows a 200% defense budget increase. This legislative action, coupled with Ashtiani’s comments, underscores Iran’s evolving security doctrine and its assertion of strategic endurance. The bill is now under review before a full parliamentary vote.
Read More
At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles urged China to explain its substantial military expansion, citing a lack of transparency and strategic reassurance as a key regional concern. He contrasted China’s actions with Australia’s open defense strategies. Meanwhile, Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. condemned China’s actions in the South China Sea as reckless and irresponsible. Marles also noted that while recent Chinese military exercises near Australia and New Zealand were disruptive, they appeared to comply with international law. The absence of a high-level Chinese delegation at the summit further highlighted these concerns.
Read More
Russia’s spring military call-up, totaling 160,000 men aged 18-30, marks the largest conscription since 2011, reflecting a broader military expansion plan to nearly 2.39 million personnel. This increase, exceeding previous spring drafts by 10,000, comes despite ongoing attempts at a ceasefire and reports of conscripts’ deaths in Ukraine. The call-up is attributed to escalating threats stemming from the war in Ukraine and NATO expansion. While officially stated to not participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, past instances show that conscripts have been used to replace losses.
Read More
China’s military expansion, including its growing nuclear arsenal exceeding 600 warheads and projected to surpass 1,000 by 2030, coupled with increased pressure on Taiwan and strengthened ties with Russia, presents a significant challenge to the U.S. However, widespread corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may be hindering China’s modernization efforts. Despite setbacks, China continues to advance its military capabilities, particularly in unmanned aerial systems, while engaging in unsafe operations near U.S. and allied forces. The U.S. is responding by increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and maintaining diplomatic engagement with China.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker