Merz vows to strengthen German military to protect NATO from threats

Germany will continue to strengthen its military to ensure NATO's ability to defend itself, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Thursday during his inaugural visit to the German Navy.

"We see daily actions by the Russian military. They are testing our readiness and our ability to defend ourselves," the chancellor told the navy aboard the Bayern anti-submarine frigate off the country's northern coast.

"And 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 territory," Merz said.

Defending Germany and NATO has become more necessary since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine in February 2022, he stressed.

Merz had previously spoken with the inspector of the navy, Jan Christian Kaack, at the naval command in the northern port of Rostock and visited the new tactical maritime headquarters, known as Commander Task Force Baltic.

Founded in 2024, the headquarters is tasked with planning maritime operations and exercises as well as leading naval forces assigned by NATO.

The German Navy has around 15,300 soldiers. After the air force and army, it is the smallest branch of the Bundeswehr, Germany's military.

Merz returned to the mainland via helicopter and is now on his way to France where he will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Toulon for a Thursday evening dinner.