The Bundeswehr CBRN Defence Command is responsible for ensuring the reconnaissance of CBRN agents and similar hazardous industrial substances, and the decontamination and disinfection of personnel, material and infrastructure on operations. To this end, the Bundeswehr CBRN Defence Command located in Bruchsal conducts basic research and provides support for training and development activities.
The Bundeswehr CBRN Defence Command develops the Bundeswehr’s basic CBRN defence concepts, and trains and provides CBRN defence forces for operations.
The Command’s Policy and Forces Development Division is in charge of conceptual development, training policies and directives, as well as the training contents and organisation of the CBRN Defence, Safety and Environmental Protection School based in Sonthofen. The Policy and Forces Development Division also ensures the fulfilment of responsibilities in the area of armaments and in-service use and in the relevant NATO and EU bodies.
The Bundeswehr CBRN Defence Command has also taken the lead of the CBRN Protection cluster within the Framework Nations Concept (FNC) initiative, assuming responsibility for its implementation. Serving as framework nation, Germany has a coordinating role for CBRN defence and the protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats (CBRN protection). One of the initiative’s objectives is to enable CBRN defence forces from NATO and EU countries to conduct multinational operations.
In accordance with Article 35 of the German Basic Law, the Bundeswehr CBRN Defence Command can be requested to provide administrative assistance and support disaster relief operations in the event of grave accidents or natural disasters. As a Bundeswehr activity, the Bundeswehr CBRN Defence Command serves as a point of contact in such cases, particularly regarding CBRN defence matters and military firefighting and protection.
Colonel Stephan Saalow
Commander, Bundeswehr CBRN Defence Command
Contact point