Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Germany Plans New Naval Base in Emden Amid Rising Security Concerns


(MENAFN) Germany is preparing to establish a new naval base in the northwestern city of Emden as the country responds to what Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described as a deteriorating international security environment.

"This is significant for us, because it will be a major naval base," Pistorius said during a ceremony in Emden, where senior officials signed a letter of intent concerning the project.

"From here we can quickly reach the North Atlantic and the North Sea," he said.

“The strategic location is also crucial - particularly with regard to our NATO allies, our shared training and operational areas, as well as joint training activities,” he added.

The planned facility will become Germany’s fifth major naval base and is expected to reduce pressure on Wilhelmshaven, which currently serves as the navy’s principal base on the North Sea.

However, Defense Ministry officials said Wilhelmshaven will continue to play a central role, with the new Emden facility intended to operate alongside it rather than replace it.

Pistorius said Germany had opted to expand its naval capabilities in response to increasing international security challenges and its obligations to contribute to NATO’s deterrence efforts.

"We currently have the smallest navy in the history of the Bundeswehr, and at the same time the largest and most extensive set of tasks. So the navy must grow, and it will," he said.

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