Germany forms new defence division amid rising tensions
As Politico reported on Sunday, the German army is establishing a new division responsible for territorial defence. The changes in the army's structure will take effect on 1 April. The number of divisions will increase to four while maintaining the current army size of approximately 180,000 soldiers.
In situations of tension or crisis, the forces responsible for internal security will protect ports, railway facilities, transshipment points, pipelines, routes for troop deployment, bridges, transportation hubs, and digital infrastructure.
Central command, reservists, and soldiers
They will also support Germany as an operational base and NATO hub, the dpa agency reported, citing information from the army's press services.
The new homeland defence division will consist of reservists and active soldiers, with a centralised command.
In peacetime, the country's defence forces may provide administrative support in the event of major accidents, terrorist attacks, or pandemics.
A contingency plan for conflict with Russia
In case of threat, existing divisions could be deployed to NATO's external borders under the Alliance's leadership as a deterrent or to defend against a potential aggressor, for example, in Poland, Lithuania, or Estonia. The homeland defence forces would then remain in Germany, according to the reported 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 noted 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.
