Germany plans to send more forces to NATO's eastern flank
Der Spiegel reveals that Berlin will send forces, air defense systems, and warships to NATO with the aim of enforcing its eastern flank.
-
Germany also intends on sending Patriot missile systems, an airplane and a frigate
Media reports have revealed that Germany intends on sending infantry, air defense systems and warships to bolster NATO's eastern flank in case the situation in Ukraine further escalates.
Berlin might send a 150-man strong infantry company and more than a dozen Boxer wheeled armored vehicles in a timely manner, according to a package that the military has put together for Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht, Der Spiegel reported.
Furthermore, Germany also plans to offer NATO Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems and a corvette frigate, meaning they would have to be withdrawn from other missions in the Mediterranean region. A fleet service boat with sensor technology is already on its way to the Baltic Sea.
Denmark has also made the decision to increase its readiness to help NATO in a response to Russia's operation in Ukraine.
Denmark already has four F-16 aircraft in Lithuania to secure Baltic airspace, and two other fighter jets located on the island of Bornholm in the Baltic to repel "Russian activity" in the region. One frigate was also deployed to NATO's standing force while another was withdrawn from its mission so that it can potentially join NATO's reaction force.
The military force in the town of Slagelse was strengthened with an 800-strong battalion, which is able to join NATO forces within five days' notice, and another 200 soldiers will join NATO forces in Estonia.
Russia has for months been warning of the threat posed against it by NATO's attempts to expand eastward, which happened alongside an increase in NATO military activity along Russia's borders, and batches of lethal weapons being sent to Ukraine, prompting Russia to request security guarantees from the West. Washington failed to provide the guarantees.
