Germany will establish a territorial defense division to protect critical infrastructure, according to media reports.

Germany will establish an additional six territorial defense regiments aimed at protecting critical infrastructure.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing DW.

In April of last year, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius presented a new structure for the Bundeswehr. He explained that the updated structure is intended to enhance the country’s defense capabilities. Among the proposals was also the expansion of territorial defense forces.

Currently, the German territorial defense comprises four regiments, which are staffed solely by reservists. They report to command in specific regions of Germany.

According to media reports, an additional six territorial defense regiments will be formed, totaling 6,000 personnel. They will be consolidated into a new separate division, which will include not only reservists but also active military personnel.

The primary goal of the new division will be to protect critical facilities within Germany. This includes ports, railways, logistics hubs, pipelines, roads, bridges, transport interchanges, and digital infrastructure. In peacetime, the territorial defense division may be deployed to assist in the event of accidents, terrorist attacks, or pandemics.

The German territorial defense forces will be directly subordinate to the Army. Currently, they consist of three divisions: two armored (1st and 10th) and a rapid response division. Each comprises approximately 20,000 personnel. The new territorial defense division will become the fourth.

Strengthening the German Army

Since his appointment as Germany's Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius has been advocating for the strengthening of the Bundeswehr.

He does not rule out the possibility of war in the future and believes that Germany must be prepared for it. Pistorius has called for increasing the defense budget to 90 billion euros by 2028.

Additionally, the German Defense Minister has urged NATO allies to prepare for a potential Russian invasion.