Germany unveils sweeping civil defence reforms to counter modern threats
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has announced a major overhaul of Germany’s civil defence and emergency response systems. The plans include new infrastructure, expanded equipment, and closer coordination between military and civilian agencies to counter hybrid threats.
A central part of the strategy is the creation of a Civil Defense Command, a new unit under the Federal Minister of the Interior. This body will oversee cooperation with the Bundeswehr in crisis scenarios, ensuring better coordination between armed forces and civilian responders.
By 2029, the government aims to procure **1,000 specialised vehicles** and **110,000 field beds** to bolster emergency preparedness. A **federal medical task force** will also be set up at 50 locations nationwide, ready to respond to mass casualty incidents. To improve public access to safety information, all registered shelters—including bunkers, tunnels, and underground car parks—will be listed in a national database. These locations will then be integrated into the **NINA emergency alert app**, making them easily searchable in a crisis. A new construction programme will upgrade **THW (Federal Agency for Technical Relief) facilities** and infrastructure. Additional funding will support extra equipment, personnel, and technology for volunteer organisations. The government has also pledged stronger backing for these groups, recognising their role in national resilience.
The reforms mark a significant expansion of Germany’s civil defence capabilities. With new command structures, medical response teams, and upgraded infrastructure, the measures aim to strengthen the country’s ability to handle large-scale emergencies. The integration of shelters into public alert systems will also improve access to critical information during crises.
