The decision will bring the total number of German divisions to four. "Territorial defense will be under the command of the army from April 1, 2025," an army spokesman said, confirming a report by German news agency DPA.

The Western military alliance NATO is on its highest alert since the Cold War. Germany currently has three divisions that NATO could call up in the event of a conflict, with the primary mission being to defend the alliance by engaging enemies on the front lines.

The newly created fourth division will be tasked with defending Germany, including protecting infrastructure such as ports, railways and supply and deployment routes.

Although Germany did have internal defense units, these were generally inactive and consisted of reserve forces, subject to command from the German states.

The order means “national and alliance defense is once again a focus” amid growing concerns about conflict, particularly with Russia. It provides “a formal basis for a combat-ready leadership organization.”

Military planners expect the unit to be formed by mid-March and will have about 6,000 troops by the summer before expanding further.

The German army (Bundeswehr) currently has more than 260,000 personnel, including civilians. Currently, the army consists of three divisions, the addition of a fourth large unit dedicated to homeland defense marks a significant increase in the Bundeswehr's capabilities.

Hoang Hai (according to DPA, DW, AFP)