Germany To Send Warships To The Arctic
- 1.07.2025, 14:43
Berlin is responding to Russia's growing activism.
Germany will send patrol ships to the North Atlantic and Arctic to counter Russia's growing military activity in the region, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said. "Maritime threats are increasing. Russia is militarizing the Arctic. We are seeing an increase in the activity of Russian submarines operating in the area," Pistorius said, writes The Moscow Times.
He added that German ships will appear in the region by the end of this year, and the German navy will conduct exercises with allies on its way to the Arctic. Also, he said, the German Navy will take part in Canada's Nanook Arctic exercise near Greenland for the first time. Berlin intends to involve submarines, frigates and patrol aircraft to demonstrate "our commitment to this region," Pistorius said.
Last October, the U.S. deployed two destroyers to the western Barents Sea to perform special missions near the Russian Arctic. Sending the ships symbolized Washington's commitment to keeping the region open and free, said Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, the group's commander. Earlier this year, Britain and Norway discussed a plan to defend the Arctic from Russia. The countries agreed to strengthen defense cooperation to improve security in the High North. Later, it was reported that Sweden is training special forces to confront Russia in the Arctic.
The deputy commander of the special forces brigade Matias Vainionpaa told the Wall Street Journal that Moscow is currently limited because of the war in Ukraine, "but as soon as there is peace there and they start withdrawing troops from there, the countdown for the rest of Europe will begin."
Before that, former NATO Secretary General Anders Von Rasmussen urged North Atlantic Alliance countries to rein in Russia in the Arctic as Moscow increases the number of military facilities, including air bases, in the region. "We have to take this seriously. They clearly have territorial ambitions in the region. In response, NATO must develop an Arctic strategy and play a stronger role," Rasmussen said.