Change in regional command: Colonel Wachter takes over in Lower Saxony

Change in regional command: Colonel Wachter takes over in Lower Saxony

On September 25, 2025, there was a change at the top of the Lower Saxony state command. Colonel Dirk Waldau handed over the leadership to Colonel in the General Staff Service (i.G.) Frank Wachter in a ceremonial ceremony in the Sergeant Major Lagenstein barracks in Hanover-Vahrenwald. Waldau, who is retiring after 42 years in the Bundeswehr, has led the state command since 2021 and during this time, among other things, redesigned the homeland security company and strategic networks with disaster control and aid organizations. The colonel also criticized a passive response to Russia's behavior and called for stronger territorial defense, especially given increasing threats from its neighbor to the east.

An impressive number of around 300 guests, including high-ranking representatives from the judiciary, police, politics and rescue services, were present. Interior Minister Daniela Behrens, Economics and Transport Minister Grant Hendrik Tonne and the President of the State Parliament Hanna Naber were among these guests. Lieutenant General Andre Bodemann, deputy commander of the Bundeswehr's operational command, praised Waldau for handing over an “efficient state command”.

The role of Lower Saxony in NATO protection

Lower Saxony plays a central role in Germany's defense plans. In the new operational plan, the federal state is identified as an important hub for material and soldiers to secure supplies for NATO's eastern flank. In the event of an attack on NATO countries, Lower Saxony would be affected by significant troop movements because the traffic routes lead to the east. These can be used across highways, railway lines and even ports. Colonel Waldau noted that from the end of this decade there could be a structural threat potential from Russia, which will increase military readiness and military activities in the region.

The complexity of the threat situation has changed significantly since the Cold War era. The Bundeswehr will maneuver in Lower Saxony more frequently in the future, and deterrence marches could also take place in peacetime to prevent aggressive actions. This requires strong understanding and trust from civilians.

International cooperation in focus

The Bundeswehr is also more closely involved in international cooperation. An example of this is the Multinational Corps Northeast in Stettin, Poland, which is led alternately by Germany and Poland. Great importance is placed on supporting Poland's air defense through the Bundeswehr's Patriot systems. In addition, the Bundeswehr and the US Air Force work closely together by conducting joint exercises as well as exchange programs and the shared use of infrastructure. The aim of these cooperations is to promote cooperation between the armed forces and strengthen transatlantic relations in order to be prepared for the future and to respond together to threats. Deutschland.de reports on this important topic.

The change at the top of the Lower Saxony State Command is not only an internal matter, but is also related to current global political developments and shows how important the preparatory measures in defense policy are. NDR.de has compiled the crucial details here. We will be curious to see how the situation will develop and what steps the Bundeswehr will take in Lower Saxony in the future.

For Limburg and the decision-makers in the region, this is a particular challenge that must be addressed with all seriousness in order to be well positioned if necessary.