[Germany] Use conventional military force

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

Germany has announced plans to build Europe's strongest conventional military force and approved the introduction of voluntary military service for 18-year-olds. As of April 17, 2026, Germany's large-scale military expansion policy has been formalized, signaling major changes to European military balance. GDELT tension index shows high interest at -10.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Surge in defense materials demand: Germany's large-scale military expansion is expected to increase demand for key defense materials such as titanium, rare earth elements, and specialty steel across Europe
• Shift in German manufacturing priorities: Resource allocation centered on defense contractors may intensify raw material procurement competition for civilian manufacturers
• European logistics network restructuring: Expansion of military equipment movement and storage infrastructure centered on Germany is expected to affect existing commercial logistics routes
• Enhanced energy security: Acceleration of energy supply chain diversification policies to improve military self-reliance, further reducing dependence on Russia
• Eastern European defense cooperation: Potential for regional supply chain integration through expanded defense cooperation with neighboring countries like Poland and Czech Republic

3. Watch points

• Defense budget scale and timeline: Need to track announcements of specific military expansion budgets and phased implementation plans
• NATO and EU reactions: Monitor alliance policy changes regarding Germany's military expansion and trends in regional military balance readjustment