New Baltic Operational Group Command Leads NATO Naval Forces

Germany will continue to strengthen its military to ensure NATO's ability to defend itself, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said today during his first visit to the country’s naval forces, CE Report quotes BTA.

“We see the daily actions of the Russian army. They are testing our readiness and our ability to defend ourselves,” the chancellor said aboard the anti-submarine frigate Bayern off Germany’s northern coast. “That is why I want to say that we will do everything in our power in the coming months and years to protect the freedom, peace, and territorial integrity of the alliance’s territory,” he added.

The defense of Germany and NATO became even more necessary following the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine in February 2022, Merz emphasized.

Earlier, Merz met with Navy Inspector Jan Christian Kaack at the naval command in the northern port city of Rostock and visited the new Baltic Operational Group Command, established in 2024. The command is tasked with planning naval operations and exercises and leading NATO naval forces deployed in the region.

The German Navy has about 15,300 soldiers, making it the smallest branch of the Bundeswehr after the Air Force and Army, according to DPA.

Merz returned to shore by helicopter and departed for France, where he is scheduled to have dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron in Toulon.