Overview
- An Insa survey of 1,005 people conducted May 21–22 for Bild am Sonntag found just 17 percent of respondents believe the Bundeswehr could adequately defend Germany while 72 percent said they rather or definitely did not.
- The poll shows a marked rise in concern about non‑kinetic threats, with two thirds of respondents saying cyberattacks, sabotage or targeted disinformation could disrupt life in Germany.
- Worry about a direct Russian military attack has fallen from 52 percent in a September 2025 Insa poll to 38 percent in the new survey, while half of respondents now say they are not worried about such an attack.
- The results come as politicians discuss stronger civilian protection measures and increased defence planning, and they could increase pressure for more investment in cyber security, civil defence systems and troop readiness.
- The survey was commissioned by Bild am Sonntag and reported by dpa/WELT; its snapshot of public opinion is subject to normal polling limits and does not by itself measure actual military readiness.