Germany leads NATO's focus on Baltic Sea defence strategy
The German defence minister, Boris Pistorius, warned about the threats related to ongoing hybrid attacks by Russia in the Baltic Sea. "This is happening every day," he said during a visit to the naval air base in Nordholz, Lower Saxony. He also criticized those in Germany who still refuse to acknowledge this issue.
The situation in the Baltic Sea region will be discussed at the NATO summit in Helsinki on Tuesday. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will participate, as announced by deputy government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann in Berlin.
This discussion will focus on a stronger military presence by the Alliance, as well as future strategies for dealing with the threat posed by the Russian shadow fleet.
The head of the German defence ministry supports NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's intention to increase the Alliance’s presence in this region.
"It's a clear signal that as an Alliance, we will not tolerate sabotage and destruction but will jointly and decisively counteract it," the defence minister stated. NATO Chief Mark Rutte will also be present at the summit in Helsinki.
Pioneering role of Germany
According to a defence ministry spokesperson, the Alliance is expected to announce more details about its plans in the coming week. Boris Pistorius added that Germany will make a significant contribution. The details are currently being developed by the Alliance, with the German command taking responsibility for planning and coordination. In October, Germany and Norway agreed on an initiative to establish regional centres for the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, especially in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
This initiative will likely be a topic at the current NATO consultations. Pistorius noted that since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the German navy has already "played a pioneering role" in reinforcing NATO's presence in the Baltic Sea through the Baltic Guard operation.
Pistorius also highlighted in Nordholz the significant strengthening of the German naval air force from new weapon systems, being acquired primarily through special Bundeswehr funds. Sea Lion helicopters have already been introduced into service, and the first Sea Tiger helicopters, equipped for tasks like anti-submarine warfare, are expected this year. The Nordholz base is set to be expanded over the next ten years, with investments totalling approximately $590 million CAD.
Located near Lower Saxony’s Cuxhaven, Nordholz is home to the naval air force command of the German armed forces. All aircraft of the German navy are stationed there, operating independently or with Bundeswehr naval ships in various operational areas.
