Germany to Expand Infrastructure Protection Division to Over 10,000 Troops

Germany plans to significantly expand its territorial defense and critical infrastructure protection unit.

This was announced by the unit’s commander, Major General Andreas Henne, in a statement to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, according to DPA.

The strength of the division (Division Heimatschutz) will increase from the planned 6,500 to over 10,000 service members by 2035.

According to him, new security battalions and support battalions will be formed within the division to increase its combat capability.

The unit’s current size already allows it to carry out priority tasks related to infrastructure protection and logistics support, but it is not yet designed for a protracted war.

Germany established this division last year as the fourth in its Army following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The unit is responsible for securing ports, bridges, railways, and energy facilities, as well as facilitating the redeployment of NATO allies and assisting civilian services during emergencies.