German army launches new division for homeland defense
As Politico reported on Sunday, the German army is establishing a new division dedicated to territorial defense. The changes in the army's structure will take effect on April 1. The number of divisions will increase to four while maintaining the current army size of around 180,000 soldiers.
In times of tension or crisis, the forces responsible for internal security will be tasked with safeguarding ports, railway facilities, transshipment points, pipelines, troop deployment routes, bridges, transportation hubs, and digital infrastructure.
Central command, reservists, and soldiers
They will also support Germany as an operational base and NATO hub, according to the dpa agency, citing information from the army's press services.
This new homeland defense division will include both reservists and active soldiers, operating under a centralized command.
In peacetime, the defense forces may be utilized for administrative support during major accidents, terrorist attacks, or pandemics.
A contingency plan for conflict with Russia
In the event of a threat, existing divisions could be deployed to NATO's external borders under the Alliance's leadership as a deterrent or for defense against potential aggression, for example, in Poland, Lithuania, or Estonia. Meanwhile, the homeland defense forces would remain in Germany, as reported by dpa.
Earlier, sources from Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung revealed that the German government had developed a secret document called the "German operational plan" for a military invasion. The Moscow Times portal highlighted that the plan includes an action algorithm in case of a direct clash between Russia and NATO in Eastern Europe. In such a scenario, Germany would become a key transport hub for soldiers, military equipment, food, and medicine.
In mid-October, the head of the German Federal Intelligence Service, Bruno Kahl, warned that Russia might attack NATO by 2030.
