German military considers Russia an "existential risk" for the country and Europe, according to a report by "Spiegel" magazine, citing a new Bundeswehr strategy document.
The confidential document warns that the Kremlin is aligning both its industrial and leadership structures, "specifically to meet the requirements of a large-scale conflict against NATO by the end of this decade".
According to the newspaper, Russia could have around 1.5 million soldiers on active duty as early as next year.
Germany can only counter this threat "with the consistent development of military and societal capabilities," the document concludes.
Military personnel and experts have been developing the strategy document over the past 18 months to serve as a guideline for the future development of the German Bundeswehr, a report by "Spiegel" said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently supported the president's request of the US Donald Trump to increase NATO's defense spending target to 5% of national GDP, a significant change made possible by the loosening of Berlin's constitutional debt brake.