Key facts
- Freuding takes over Germany's highest-ranking military post in February 2027, the defence ministry said.
Germany names army chief Christian Freuding as next chief of defence
IN SHORT
Germany's defence ministry said on November 5, 2026, that Army Chief Christian Freuding will become the country's chief of defence in February 2027. He succeeds Carsten Breuer, who was chosen as the next head of NATO's military committee. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Freuding "embodies camaraderie and the values of our Bundeswehr."
Key Numbers
February 2027month Freuding becomes chief of defence, per the defence ministry
Who's Involved
Christian Freuding
German army chief, named next chief of defence
Carsten Breuer
outgoing chief of defence, chosen for NATO military committee
Boris Pistorius
defence minister, praised Freuding in the statement
Bundeswehr
German armed forces, which Freuding will lead
NATO
alliance whose military committee Breuer will head
↳ Why This Matters
Freuding takes command of the Bundeswehr in February 2027 as Germany's highest-ranking soldier, after a tenure as army chief in which he pushed Ukraine-tested technology and a new drone regiment into the force.