Germany’s military, the Bundeswehr, announced on Saturday that it will establish a new division focused on territorial defense. The unit will protect critical infrastructure, including ports, railways, and supply routes, as well as secure military facilities across the country.
The new division will begin operations on April 1, 2025, and will consolidate existing reserve units under the direct command of the army. It will include active-duty soldiers and reservists, starting with 6,000 personnel by mid-2025, with plans for further expansion.
This addition brings the number of army divisions to four while maintaining the total Bundeswehr personnel count at 180,000.
The division is designed to respond to threats like sabotage, which German officials have linked to Russia. It also ensures Germany’s readiness to defend its territory while other divisions may be deployed to NATO’s external borders as part of the alliance’s strategy to deter external aggression.
The move follows the Osnabrück Decree, which prioritizes national defense in response to rising tensions, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has emphasized the importance of preparing the Bundeswehr for modern security challenges.
Currently, homeland defense units operate under state-level commands and are largely inactive. The new division will shift these units to semi-active status under national army control, streamlining command structures and enhancing operational readiness.
