German media: German Federal Security Forces plan significant military expansion
According to a report by Reference News Network on July 23, the commander of the Federal Armed Forces' Homeland Security Forces, Major General Andreas Henner, revealed in an interview with German media on July 20 that the force plans to significantly expand its size before 2035. "Currently, our planned strength is 6,500 personnel, but by 2035, we will increase to well over 10,000."
Henner stated, "We will establish new homeland defense battalions and support battalions, and the overall troop size will be significantly expanded." It is reported that the current personnel size of the force already possesses initial operational capability. Henner said, "We can now protect infrastructure and ensure freedom of movement." However, the force is understaffed for long-term conflict.
The Homeland Security Forces were established last year and are the fourth large operational unit of the German Army. The force currently has about 6,000 male and female soldiers, responsible for protecting infrastructure such as ports, airports, bridges, railways, and energy facilities, ensuring the assembly of allied forces, and providing assistance in the event of disasters.
According to reports, considering the changes in the security situation following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, the importance of homeland security has become increasingly prominent, and related forces should be strengthened. In peacetime, the Homeland Security Forces should assist other units of the Federal Armed Forces in carrying out vigilance, property protection, and logistical support, as well as assist in responding to natural disasters or major incidents. (Translated by Zhong Sirui)
The Federal Armed Forces of Germany plans to expand its homeland security unit to over 10,000 personnel by 2035, up from the current 6,000. This expansion includes the creation of new defense and support battalions to enhance the unit's capability to protect critical infrastructure and respond to disasters. The move is in response to the evolving security landscape following the Russia-Ukraine war.
- The Federal Armed Forces plans to expand its homeland security unit to over 10,000 personnel by 2035.
- Currently, the unit has approximately 6,000 personnel and is capable of protecting critical infrastructure.
- The expansion includes the establishment of new defense and support battalions.
- The importance of homeland security has increased due to the changing security situation after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.
- The unit was formed last year as the fourth major operational unit of the German Army.