Germany says it will build Europe’s strongest army

Germany is moving to expand its military role in NATO, with its ambassador to the United States saying Berlin intends to take on more responsibility for European security. The comments come as German leaders respond to pressure from Washington and growing concern over Russia's war in Ukraine. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Germany should have the strongest conventional army in Europe, and the government is backing a longerterm buildup in defense spending and recruitment. The article says Germany plans to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP well before 2035 and aims to add tens of thousands of activeduty troops. The piece also highlights tensions between President Donald Trump and Merz, including disputes over Iran policy and U.S. troop levels in Germany. Despite those disagreements, German officials say the U.S.Germany defense relationship remains close, and they point to major American military facilities in Germany and new defense contracts as signs of continued cooperation.