12th Panzer Division (Bundeswehr)

The 12th Panzer Division (12. Panzerdivision) was an armored division of the German Army (Bundeswehr). Formed in 1956 as Panzerdivision 2, it was redesignated as 12th Panzer Division in 1959. The division was headquartered in Veitshöchheim near Würzburg.

Throughout its history, the 12th Panzer Division was a key element of the Bundeswehr's armored forces, participating in numerous exercises and deployments. It was structured as a typical West German armored division, comprising armored infantry, tank battalions, artillery, and supporting units. Its primary mission was to deter aggression and, if necessary, defend West Germany and its NATO allies.

During the Cold War, the 12th Panzer Division formed part of the Central Army Group (CENTAG) within NATO's defense structure. It was responsible for a sector along the Inner German border and trained extensively to counter a potential Warsaw Pact invasion.

Following the end of the Cold War and German reunification, the Bundeswehr underwent significant restructuring. The 12th Panzer Division was disbanded in 1994 as part of these reforms. Its units were either dissolved or transferred to other formations within the German Army. The traditions and history of the division are maintained in successor organizations.