By Micah Jonah
January 16, 2026
Germany’s top military officer has said he is deeply shaken by allegations of sexual abuse, right wing extremism and drug use within an elite paratroop unit, pledging to strengthen leadership and discipline across the armed forces.
Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, General Carsten Breuer, told reporters in Berlin that the military would not tolerate sexualised violence, extremism, drug abuse or discrimination, adding that soldiers who condone such behaviour cannot serve as officers.
The case involves the 26th Parachute Regiment, where female soldiers reported multiple incidents to the parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces. The unit has previously been deployed on international missions, including evacuation operations in Sudan.
The military said disciplinary measures have already been taken, including dismissals, and that several cases have been handed over to civilian prosecutors. Senior army officials also acknowledged that some investigations may not have been conducted with sufficient depth, promised further reviews.
The scandal comes as Germany begins registering all 18 year olds as part of efforts to expand the size of the military, a move linked to broader European security concerns and pressure on NATO members to strengthen defence capacity.
Opposition politicians have criticised Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, accusing him of failing to take responsibility and warning that unresolved abuse cases could undermine recruitment and public trust in the armed forces.
