Poll: Public has little confidence in the German military

Confidence in the ability of the German military to defend the country is low, according to a survey conducted by the Insa polling institute and published by the mass circulation Bild on Sunday.

The poll of 1,005 respondents taken on May 21-22 found that 17% either fully or to some extent endorsed the statement that the Bundeswehr  or German Armed Forces would be able to defend Germany adequately.

A full 72% felt it wouldn't.

Just 38% were concerned about a possible attack by Russia, while 50% were unconcerned. The latter figure was down from the 52% recorded in September 2025.

There was considerably greater concern about a digital attack, with two thirds of respondents expressing concern about cyberattacks, sabotage or targeted disinformation, while 22% showed little or no concern in this regard.