Boris Pistorius (SPD), German Federal Minister of Defense. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Keystone
NATO partners Germany and Iceland are expanding their military cooperation against the backdrop of Russian threats.
The Bundeswehr also wants to have a base for its combat ships, submarines and supply ships on the volcanic island in the far north. The aim of a memorandum of understanding signed in the capital Reykjavik is cooperation in the field of maritime logistics, as Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) said at a meeting with Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir.
Iceland was one of the founding members of NATO in 1949, but still has no armed forces of its own. Germany would like to make greater use of Iceland’s modern port infrastructure in the future. The temporary stationing of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft is also under consideration.
“Here in the far north, Iceland is making an important contribution to protecting the northern flank of the (NATO) alliance,” said Pistorius, whose first visit to Iceland marked the start of a trip lasting several days, which will also take him to Canada and the UK.
“In my view, Germany is now the leading force in strengthening security and defense in Europe,” said Gunnarsdottir. There should be increased cooperation with the German air force and navy as well as protection against hybrid attacks and disruptions to internet communication.
Hybrid warfare is a combination of military, economic, intelligence and propaganda means that can also be used to influence public opinion – and even destabilize entire societies.