National People's Army (NVA)

The National People's Army (NVA) was the armed forces of East Germany (the German Democratic Republic) from 1956 until reunification in 1990. It served as the country's military defense and included ground forces, air force, navy, and other units. The NVA was trained and equipped according to Soviet standards and aimed to protect East Germany and support its alliance with the Soviet Union. It also played a role in internal security, but primarily functioned as a conventional military force during the Cold War era. After reunification, the NVA was disbanded, and its personnel and equipment were integrated into the unified German military.