Abstract
Various options are being discussed to increase Germany’s defense capabilities. Increasing the size of the Bundeswehr is proving difficult, and compulsory military service hardly seems feasible for economic and socio-political reasons. A European army and technological alternatives such as missile defense and drones are more popular. In terms of financing, budget consolidation and tax increases are preferred over pure debt financing. However, the focus of the debate should be less on expenditure and more on its impact. Increasing efficiency is essential. At the European level, economies of scale and greater standardisation can help.