Major naval drills about to start in the Baltic Sea will focus on repelling a Russian attack for the first time, Germany’s navy chief has said.
Some 30 ships and more than 3,000 Western service members are set to take part in the two-week-long exercise, which will begin on 9 September.
“We are sending a clear message of vigilance to Russia: Not on our watch,” Vice-Admiral Jan Christian Kaack said.
“Credible deterrence must include the ability to attack.”
Troops from all NATO countries on the Baltic Sea, plus soon-to-be member Sweden and non-Baltic allies Canada, the Netherlands, the US, Belgium and France, will train side by side.
Amphibious operations and strikes from sea to land will be part of the drills, along with securing sea routes through the Baltic.
The US navy will send the Mesa Verde – a ship of more than 200m in length – into the drills, Mr Kaack said.
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