[Video transcript]
Touchdown at NATO’s new headquarter on the Baltic Sea.
Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius lands here, in the German port city of Rostock, to inaugurate the Commando Task Force Baltic — a new NATO naval command center that aims to boost the Alliance’s defense readiness in the Baltic Sea region.
Boris Pistorius, German Defense Minister: “It will be responsible for planning joint exercises and is ready to direct naval operations in times of peace, crisis and war.”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has heightened concerns that Moscow could also attack NATO countries.
Germany and NATO have seen an uptick in espionage activity by Russia and have warned of other potential threats, especially around the Baltic Sea region.
Boris Pistorius, German Defense Minister: “We must ensure that Putin will not have his way. We must defend ourselves and do whatever we can to support our partners at NATO’s eastern flank.”
With the new command center, participating countries aim to better protect the Baltic Sea — an important supply route for NATO and a key economic area for neighboring countries.
Didier Maleterre, NATO Admiral: “The CTF that we inaugurate today under Deutsch Marfor [German Maritime Forces] embodies a deep commitment of Baltic nations to strengthen the alliance and enhance our collective defense and readiness in the maritime domain.”
The naval command center in Rostock will be led by Germany and staffed by up to 180 people from 12 other NATO countries.
Participants include Finland and Sweden, which joined NATO after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.