In recent years, the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) have repeatedly come under media scrutiny. While some of this criticism can be linked to long-standing issues such as chronic underfunding, low readiness, and personnel shortages, another set of controversies has stemmed from the presence of extremist tendencies within the ranks of the military.
Particularly alarming was the exposure of the so-called Hannibal network, which gained widespread media attention due to its alleged goal of orchestrating a coup on what members referred to as “Day X” (Tag X). For Hungary—given its status as one of Germany’s key security and defense policy allies, as well as a prominent partner in the defense industry—it is of fundamental interest that the German armed forces remain free of extremist elements.
This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available information on extremist tendencies within the Bundeswehr, based on reports, studies, and official investigation documents. It begins with a brief overview of broader trends related to extremism within German society. It then examines extremist patterns within German security and armed institutions, with a specific focus on the military. Finally, the study analyzes the case of the Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK), Germany’s elite special operations unit, demonstrating how extremist incidents can directly impact the operational effectiveness and employability of the armed forces.
