Germany’s Chief of Defence, General Carsten Breuer, has been elected as the next Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, the alliance’s highest military authority and a key advisory body to its political leadership. The decision was made by the chiefs of defence of NATO’s 32 member states during a meeting in Copenhagen.

Breuer to Take Office in 2027

Breuer will succeed Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and is expected to assume the position in summer 2027 for a three-year term. As chair, he will serve as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s principal military adviser and lead the Military Committee in developing consensus-based military advice for the alliance’s political leadership.

Dragone congratulated Breuer following the election, highlighting his operational experience, knowledge of NATO and leadership of Germany’s armed forces.

A Key Role Amid Security Challenges

Breuer’s appointment comes as NATO focuses on strengthening collective deterrence and defence, increasing military readiness and accelerating the development and deployment of new defence capabilities. The Military Committee’s September 18–19 meeting also addressed implementation of decisions from the NATO Summit in Ankara, innovation and technology, and continued support for Ukraine.

The alliance is also operating amid heightened security concerns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine, cyber threats, sabotage concerns and incidents affecting NATO members’ airspace.

Breuer’s Military Background

Breuer, 61, has served as Germany’s Chief of Defence since March 2023. His military career includes senior command positions within the Bundeswehr and experience with NATO operations, including service with NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. He also previously headed Germany’s COVID-19 crisis task force at the Federal Chancellery.

His election comes as Germany increases its role in European defence and prepares for significantly higher military spending in the coming years.

Leadership Transition

Until Breuer takes office, Admiral Cavo Dragone will continue serving as Chair of the NATO Military Committee. The transition will place a German general at the centre of NATO’s military advisory structure at a time when the alliance is working to strengthen readiness and coordinate defence priorities among its 32 members.

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