German commander says homeland security division to top 10,000 troops

Germany's Homeland Security Division is set to expand significantly, growing from a planned strength of 6,500 troops to well over 10,000 by 2035, its commander said in remarks published on Monday.

"We currently have a planned strength of 6,500 soldiers. But by 2035, we will grow to well over 10,000 troops," Major General Andreas Henne told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) media group.

"We will establish homeland security battalions. We will establish support battalions. And we will have a significantly higher number of soldiers," he said.

He added that the division's current size is sufficient to provide an initial operational capability.

"We can already secure infrastructure and ensure freedom of movement - though not yet for a prolonged conflict," Henne said.

Germany has increased its focus on homeland defence following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Bundeswehr established the Homeland Security Division last year as its fourth army division.

The division is tasked with protecting critical infrastructure such as ports, airports, bridges, rail lines and energy facilities, securing the deployment of allied forces in Germany and providing assistance to civilian authorities during natural disasters and other emergencies.

In peacetime, its personnel assist other Bundeswehr units with security duties, site protection and logistical operations, as well as helping respond to natural disasters and major accidents.