German intelligence by its activity off the coast of Norway is sending a “signal” to Russia, says Andreas Esthagen, senior researcher at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute and the Center for the Far North. His words are quoted by NRK.
Earlier, the reconnaissance ship of the German Navy “Alster” left the harbor of Hammerfest in the north of the kingdom and “since then it can be seen on sea radar,” the publication said.
“The German fleet wants to show its allies and Moscow that it is present in the north, that it has its own capabilities there and that it shares the burden of monitoring Russia and does its bit”, – the expert is sure.
In his opinion, a new trend has emerged in naval intelligence: ships began to maneuver openly.
US sends a “signal” to Russia in the Arctic
German naval captain Johannes Dumrese, in turn, explained that NATO regularly operates in these waters.
“The northern flank is the umbilical cord of the North American continent, and in the event of a war, it is from there that reinforcements will come to defend Europe”, – he said.
According to him, Berlin should know what is happening in this region. That is why, as the captain emphasized, the German military is watching the ships of other countries.
In recent years, Russia has seen an increase in NATO activity near its borders. The countries of the alliance regularly conduct exercises and simulate hostilities with the Russian army. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu assured that the department is taking the necessary measures to protect the state’s borders from threats posed by NATO.