German Navy takes on more responsibility

German Navy now leads all maritime operations of the Bundeswehr

Navy Inspector Vice Admiral Jan-Christian Kaack with Commander Task Force Maritime (MTF) Flotilla Admiral Richard Kesten in front of the UN flag. Photo: German Navy

The Bundeswehr has reorganised its military operations command. Maritime operations are now all tactically and operationally led by the German Navy. These include the NATO Aegean Support Mission, the Mediterranean Operation Irini, Operation EUNAVFOR Aspides in the Red Sea and participation in the United Nations peacekeeping mission UNIFIL in Lebanon. The German Navy implements the requirements of the Operational Command of the Bundeswehr. In this context, the Inspector of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, visited the German contingent of UNIFIL from 25 to 26 March 2025 to gain his own impression of the situation and to exchange views with the deployed soldiers. Following the trip, he said: "The German Navy is making a decisive contribution to the security and stability of Lebanon in the UNIFIL mission. Our task of securing the sea borders and preventing weapons smuggling is an important contribution to peace in this fragile region. At the same time, we are helping the Lebanese armed forces to fulfil these tasks independently in the long term. The soldiers deployed on the ground are doing an outstanding and highly professional job under sometimes really difficult conditions - both on board and on land. I was able to see this for myself. I am proud of our men and women!"