Germany creates new division for territorial defence

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The German Armed Forces have announced the creation of a new division whose main task will be to defend the country’s territory. The reorganisation, which will come into effect in April 2025, will see all existing reserve units placed under the direct command of the army. This was reported by Reuters.

Changes in the structure of the army

This step will increase the number of divisions in the German army to four, without changing the total number of armed forces, which currently stands at around 180,000.

“From 1 April 2025, territorial defence will be subordinated to the army,” said a spokesman for the German armed forces, confirming the DPA news agency.

NATO’s growing threat and readiness

The creation of the new division comes amid NATO’s highest readiness since the end of the Cold War. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and other officials have expressed concern about a possible Russian attack on NATO’s borders in the next four years.

The role of the new division

Germany’s three existing divisions are focused on frontline defence of the Alliance in the event of a conflict. The new division will focus on Germany’s domestic defence, including defence:

  • critical infrastructure (ports, railways);
  • supply routes;
  • logistics routes for the deployment of forces.

Germany is a key logistics centre

In the event of a conflict with Russia, Germany will play a key role as NATO’s logistics centre. Its North Sea ports and transport network would be used to send reinforcements from NATO allies to the east.

This step also simplifies command structures in the field of territorial defence, which is relevant in the context of Russian sabotage against Germany’s critical infrastructure, which has recently intensified.

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