(MENAFN) Just 16% of Germans say they would “definitely” take up arms to defend their country if it came under military attack, according to a new survey published Monday.

The poll, conducted by the Forsa Institute, underscores a deep-seated hesitation among the German public toward military involvement—despite ongoing alerts from top political and defense officials urging the nation to brace for possible armed conflict.

A significant majority—59%—said they would “probably not” or “definitely not” be willing to fight in such a scenario. The aversion was particularly stark among women, with 72% expressing they would refuse military engagement.

While 16% of participants affirmed a firm commitment to defend Germany, an additional 22% said they would “probably” be willing to fight. That brings the total share of those potentially prepared to take up arms to 38%.

The nationally representative survey, commissioned by RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland, polled around 1,000 German citizens between July 28 and 29.

In the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Germany has ramped up military expenditures. Intelligence agencies and defense officials have repeatedly cautioned that Russia may have the capacity to strike a NATO member within the next five years.

MENAFN04082025000045017169ID1109881318