NATO bolsters Baltic defense with new command centre launch
On Monday, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius inaugurated the new NATO command centre – Command Task Force Baltic (CTF Baltic) – in Rostock. With the participation of several countries the North Atlantic Alliance aims to strengthen defence readiness in the Baltic Sea.
The CTF Baltic will manage the naval forces of NATO countries both in peacetime and in the event of a crisis or conflict. It will also be the centre for planning maritime operations and training projects. Furthermore, the command centre will provide a 24/7 situational overview of military and civilian shipping traffic in the Baltic Sea, reported the Tagesschau portal.
In addition to Germany, 11 countries are involved in CTF Baltic: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden.
The new command is not a direct response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine; however, during the opening ceremony, Pistorius referred to the potential threat from Russia. The politician stated that CTF Baltic will play a "decisive role in protecting NATO countries' interests against aggression, especially in light of Russia's close proximity."
More than two years have passed since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and it has become clear that Vladimir Putin's war is not solely targeted at that country. – "His real enemy is our free, independent, and democratic way of life," said Pistorius. The minister emphasized that security in the Baltic region is inextricably linked to the security of all of Europe.
Not only Germany in the military base on the Baltic
According to information provided by Reuters, approximately 120 German employees will staff the military base on the Baltic in peacetime. An additional 60 will come from other countries.
Reuters points out that a German admiral will head CTF Baltic. His deputy for the next two years will be Rear Admiral Piotr Nieć, who, after this period, will become the chief of staff of CTF Baltic for the subsequent two years.
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