Germany takes over coordination of NATO naval forces in Baltic Sea

Berlin has offered NATO to take over the coordination of the alliance's naval forces in the Baltic Sea region.

German Navy Chief Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack said the headquarters appointed for this purpose is already in charge of the NATO maritime exercise North Coast, which began September 9 in the Baltic Sea, according to dpa.

"There is currently a letter from the inspector general to the deputy supreme commander of NATO in Europe, in which we clearly note that we can offer the possibility of establishing a regional headquarters for the Baltic Sea," Kaack said.

It is noted that after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the North Atlantic Alliance has strengthened its forces on the eastern flank. The Baltic Sea is the main delivery channel for goods, energy and telecommunications for several NATO members.

According to the German Navy chief, it is now necessary to transition from peacetime conditions to managing larger naval formations in the Baltic Sea. The naval specialists stationed in the city of Rostock are capable of handling such a task.

"The Baltic Sea is a complex waterway with so many narrow points, so many coastal countries, that even in peacetime it is very important that specialists are set up to coordinate the doer," the German vice admiral added.