Only 16% of Germans say they would “definitely” take up arms to defend their country in the event of war, a new study has found.
The Forsa poll for the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) also found that an additional 22% say they would “probably” fight, while a clear majority—59%—say they would either probably not or definitely not be willing to do so. Among women, this number climbs to 72%.
Concerns over national security are also on the rise. About 27% of respondents believe a military attack on Germany within the next five years is likely. A majority—59%—also expect that Germany may be required to support a NATO ally under mutual defense obligations.
The poll comes as Germany ramps up its defense budget and debates the return of mandatory military service. However, faith in Germany’s military readiness appears low: 41% of those surveyed consider the German army, the Bundeswehr, to be among NATO’s less well-equipped forces.
Political divides are stark. While 92% of CDU/CSU supporters back the spending increase, support among SPD and Green voters hovers around 75%. Meanwhile, 59% of Left Party and 52% of AfD supporters oppose the measure.
