Bollwerk Berlin 2026

The public execution of the international protocol such as the reception of state guests, grand military parades, and honor escorts is one of the two main tasks of the Wachbataillon (WachBtl) at the Federal Ministry of Defense. In contrast, the infantry protection mission stands: the defense of government buildings in times of tension and defense, and the transport of protected persons. The soldiers of the WachBtl are training for this in the first part of this year's exercise series "Bollwerk Bärlin 2026" from May 11 to June 10, 2026. In urban and house combat, the infantry training level of the soldiers is put to the test, while the real mission (protocol & protection) continues simultaneously.

The federal capital presents special challenges for the soldiers with its demanding infrastructure: Urban traffic networks, dense constructions, and limited sight lines complicate the transport of protected persons by land. Therefore, the WachBtl not only tests the security of infrastructure and the use of public roads with protected vehicles but also the transport of persons on waterways and by air using speedboats and helicopters.

The commander of the WachBtl BMVg, Lieutenant Colonel Maik Teichgräber, summarizes the challenges of the exercise Bollwerk Bärlin 2026:

"The exercise "Bollwerk Bärlin 2026" presents my soldiers with an excellent opportunity to train as realistically as possible in their operational area Berlin. At the same time, ensuring the protocol mission requires them to be highly flexible. By using various means and routes of transportation, we prepare ourselves for as many eventualities as possible. With increasing intensity of the exercise, we conduct complex live-fire combat training on the Jägerbrück troop training ground. All of this serves to enable us to best fulfill our protection mission in our operational area of Berlin in case of tension or defense.

During the exercise period, there may be local traffic disruptions, diversions, and an increased presence of soldiers with Bundeswehr emergency vehicles. The use of helicopters, even over the city area of Berlin, may potentially be perceived as noisy.

Citizens are requested to:

• follow the instructions of the emergency services,
• apply the rules for dealing with military convoys (link flyer Attention Convoy) and observe barriers and notices,
• call the emergency numbers 112 or 110 as usual in actual emergencies.

All activities are carried out under strict security precautions and in coordination with local authorities. There is no danger to the population.

Current and background information on the exercise can also be found on the exercise website