Berlin, Germany – The commander of the German Army’s Internal Security Division, Major General Andreas Heine, announced a broad strategic plan to significantly increase the division’s size over the next decade. In statements to the newspapers of the Deutschland Media Network on Monday, Heine revealed that the force, currently planned at 6,500 troops, will undergo a substantial expansion, reaching more than 10,000 soldiers by 2035.
Structural expansion plans
Major General Heine explained that this expansion will include the creation of new battalions specializing in internal security, as well as logistical and operational support battalions. He indicated that this move is in response to future defense needs. He added, “The current state of the division provides initial operational capability that allows us to secure infrastructure and ensure freedom of movement, but we recognize that it is not yet sufficient in the event of a protracted conflict, hence the decision to increase its size.”
Context of strategic change
These steps come as part of a major shift in German defense policy following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where defending national territory has become a top priority. It is worth noting that the German army established the “Internal Security Division” last year as the fourth division in its ground forces, in order to address growing security challenges.
The unit’s tasks and responsibilities
The division undertakes vital and strategic tasks aimed at strengthening the resilience of the state, most notably protecting critical infrastructure and energy facilities, securing NATO troop deployments within Germany, and providing assistance to civilian authorities in cases of natural disasters and major crises. In peacetime, the division supports other army units in logistical security and the protection of military sites.
This expansion reflects Germany’s commitment to strengthening its self-defense capabilities and ensuring its forces are prepared to handle various security scenarios, whether directly military or related to protecting vital civilian infrastructure during emergencies. This shift underscores the changing military doctrine of the German armed forces, which now focuses on comprehensively securing the country’s strategic depth. This comes amidst the ongoing security challenges facing the European continent.
