The sleeping giant of Europe has awoken. Germany is racing to rebuild its military machine, shedding decades of pacifism to confront the Russian threat. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-13)With a staggering €83 billion (KES 10.8 trillion) defense budget for 2026, Berlin is rearming at a pace not seen since the Cold War.

This is a seismic shift. For Kenyans watching global geopolitics, this matters. A militarized Europe changes the flow of aid, trade, and diplomatic attention. Germany wants to build the "strongest conventional army in Europe," and they are willing to break their own debt rules to do it.

The Return of the Draft?

The most controversial element is the potential return of conscription. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-15)Starting this year, all 18-year-old German men will receive a questionnaire assessing their fitness for service. The goal is to boost troop numbers from 182,000 to over 260,000.

• The Spending: Billions are flowing into F-35 jets, Leopard tanks, and ammunition stockpiles.
• The Motivation: The war in Ukraine has shattered the illusion of perpetual peace on the continent.

Germany is preparing for a world where hard power dictates survival. As they retool their factories for war, the message to the rest of the world is clear: Winter is coming.