National People’s Army

The National People’s Army (NVA) was the armed forces of East Germany (GDR) from 1956 until German reunification in 1990. It functioned as the country's military, responsible for defense and safeguarding East Germany’s interests during the Cold War. The NVA included ground troops, air force, navy, and border guards, and was equipped with Soviet-made weapons. It played a key role in East Germany’s military strategy and was also used to maintain internal security. After reunification, the NVA was disbanded, with many personnel transferred or discharged, and its assets integrated into the unified German military.