Germany Names Freuding Next Chief of Defense

Germany has appointed Army Chief Christian Freuding as the Bundeswehr’s next chief of defense, with his term beginning in February 2027. He will succeed Carsten Breuer, who is set to lead NATO’s Military Committee, the alliance’s senior military advisory body. Freuding previously coordinated German arms deliveries to Ukraine and, as army chief, has backed incorporating lessons and technology from the war into military modernization, including establishing an army drone regiment. He is also known for strong support for Kyiv and a hardline stance toward Moscow. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius praised Freuding’s leadership, judgment and commitment to Bundeswehr values.