Regionally rooted, globally committed!

For the German Navy, too, this means a return to a focus on national and alliance defence. In an interview with marineforum, Vice Admiral Frank Lenski, Commander of the Fleet and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, talks about the resulting willingness to take on responsibility, current problems and the importance of those serving in the reserves.

Mr Admiral, how do you currently assess the situation on NATO's northern maritime flank - especially with regard to the Baltic Sea?
As you know, NATO's northern flank is our centre of operations. It already was, but our presence here has been further strengthened. In the Baltic Sea in particular, we have done everything we can - and will continue to do so - to sustainably expand the deployment of forces. Despite the war in Ukraine, we see a powerful Russian navy there. At the same time, the strategic position in the Baltic Sea has changed in our favour with the accession of Finland and the hopefully soon to follow accession of Sweden to NATO.