German Army Creates New National Defense Force

In order to improve the protection of important infrastructure and military facilities, the German army (Bundeswehr) said it will establish a new territorial defense division, directly under the German army.

Recruits from the German 171st Logistics Battalion practice pitching tents at the Burg training area.

On January 11, a Bundeswehr spokesman said the new unit would be used for security missions as well as to protect specific targets in national and NATO defense situations.

In the event of a crisis, for example, the division would protect ports, rail facilities and cargo transit points; as well as pipelines, troop deployment routes, bridges, transportation hubs and digital infrastructure, the spokesman said.

The division will also ensure Germany’s role as a NATO base and operations centre. In peacetime, the troops can also be deployed to assist in the event of natural disasters, terrorist attacks or pandemics.

In peacetime, the force can also provide administrative support in the event of a major incident, terrorist situation or pandemic.

The force is expected to be established by mid-March and have around 6,000 personnel by the summer before expanding further, a Bundeswehr spokesman said.

Last year, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius ordered a reorganization to strengthen the Bundeswehr's defense capabilities with a unified combat command.

The addition of a fourth major unit dedicated to homeland defense marks a significant boost to the Bundeswehr's capabilities.

The German military currently has more than 260,000 personnel, including army, navy and air force as well as medical and other support services and civilian employees.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/quan-doi-duc-thanh-lap-luc-luong-phong-thu-quoc-gia-moi-300546.html