Announcements from the German Bundeswehr or government press releases

Germany to Launch Homeland Defense Division on April 1 with 6,000 Troops

Jan 11, 2025, 03:44 PM

Germany's military, the Bundeswehr, is establishing a new homeland defense division to enhance territorial security. The division, which will consist of both active soldiers and reservists, will be tasked with protecting critical infrastructure such as ports, railways, pipelines, and digital networks. It will also safeguard key military facilities and ensure Germany's readiness as a NATO logistical hub in the event of a conflict. The reorganization, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, will bring all existing reserve units under direct army command, increasing the number of divisions in the Bundeswehr to four without expanding the overall force size of approximately 180,000 personnel. The new division is expected to reach an initial strength of 6,000 personnel by mid-2025, with further expansion planned. This move aligns with Germany's broader defense strategy to address heightened security concerns, including potential threats from Russian aggression.