Germany Deploys Navy to Arctic to Counter Russian Build-Up

Germany plans to deploy naval ships, including submarines, patrol aircraft, and frigates, to patrol the North Atlantic and Arctic regions as early as 2025 to counter increasing Russian militarization in the area. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the growing maritime threats posed by Russia's expanding military presence, including increased submarine activity and the buildup of icebreaker fleets, amid new shipping routes and resource access due to melting ice caps. The deployment, which includes the German auxiliary military vessel Berlin sailing from Iceland to Greenland and Canada, will feature joint exercises with allies and Germany's first naval port call in Nuuk, Greenland. This move aligns with Germany's broader objective to play a larger role in defending Western interests following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The announcement coincides with increased Arctic security investments by Denmark and heightened geopolitical tensions, including U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in annexing Greenland. Germany's participation in multinational Arctic exercises such as Canada's Nanook underscores its strategic commitment to the region alongside allied nations.