Germany's Bundeswehr to establish new homeland security unit

Germany's armed forces plan to establish a fourth major branch dedicated to securing critical infrastructure and key military facilities across the country, an army spokesman said on Saturday.

The new homeland defence division will consist of reservists and active soldiers under a unified command and will be partially active, the spokesman told dpa.

Last year, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius ordered a reorganization to strengthen the Bundeswehr's defence capabilities with a unified operational command.

Pistorius referred to the changed international threat situation and the need to be able to survive militarily in a defensive war.

Comprising the army, navy and air force, as well as medical and other support services, the Bundeswehr currently has more than 260,000 personnel, including civilian staff.

As part of the new structure, the homeland defence forces will be placed under the army's command starting April 1, with plans for further expansion.

Currently, the army comprises three divisions, each consisting of approximately 20,000 personnel.

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