Germany Establishes New Homeland Defense Division

The Bundeswehr's fourth major unit will focus on protecting critical infrastructure and addressing domestic crises amid heightened security concerns.

The new Homeland Defense Division will consist of approximately 6,000 personnel, primarily reservists, tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure and supporting disaster response efforts.
This division is the fourth major unit of the German Army, joining three existing divisions that focus on external defense operations.
The division's creation reflects growing concerns over Europe's security following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and increased domestic threats like sabotage and unrest.
Former President Joachim Gauck emphasized the need for a societal 'mentality shift' toward resilience and 'armed peacefulness' to address modern security challenges.
The division will also provide logistical support for allied troop movements within Germany and is set to expand with the addition of a sixth regiment in April.