Germany to expand armed forces

Germany’s coalition government has agreed a new military service plan to boost troop numbers following months of wrangling between political forces, the BBC writes.

The new military service plan will mandate all 18-year-old men to fill out a questionnaire on their suitability to serve and, from 2027, to undergo medical screening.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the plan by the end of 2025.

Earlier this year German defense chief Gen Carsten Breuer warned that the Western NATO alliance had to prepare for a possible Russian attack within four years.