Germany’s chief of defense, Gen. Carsten Breuer, has been chosen to chair NATO’s Military Committee, the alliance’s senior military advisory body, after a secret vote in Copenhagen on Saturday. Breuer secured the backing of at least 17 of NATO’s 32 chiefs of defense, according to NATO officials. He defeated Canada’s chief of defense, Gen. Jennie Carignan, in the contest. He will succeed Italy’s Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone in July 2027 and serve a three-year term. Dragone announced the result on social media, congratulating Breuer and citing his operational judgment, knowledge of NATO and leadership of Germany’s armed forces. The full vote count was not disclosed. A NATO official said the secrecy was intended to limit divisions among the alliance’s military leadership after the election. Breuer has led Germany’s armed forces since 2023 and was viewed as the leading candidate before the vote. Germany’s growing defense spending and expanding military responsibilities in Europe strengthened his candidacy, particularly as the United States has pressed European allies to take greater control of their own security. Carignan campaigned on restoring momentum to the Military Committee and demonstrating continued unity across the Atlantic. NATO officials saw strained relations between Canada and the United States as a disadvantage for her bid. The decision gives Germany another prominent position within NATO as Berlin assumes more responsibility for the alliance’s eastern flank. German-led forces are taking part in a regional command focused on Estonia and Latvia, while Germany is also establishing a permanent military presence in Lithuania. The Military Committee does not command NATO forces directly. Its chair helps the alliance’s military chiefs develop consensus and provides advice to NATO’s political leadership on whether operations are feasible, adequately funded and supported by the necessary capabilities. The chair also oversees dozens of working groups within NATO’s military staff. Breuer’s appointment comes as European governments debate how to respond to Russia’s war against Ukraine and broader security threats while managing growing pressure to increase defense spending. It also places Germany at the center of decisions that could shape NATO’s military posture across Europe for years to come.