Germany deploys Eurofighter jets for Arctic mission

Brussels (dpa) – Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany would initially provide four Eurofighter jets for the new Nato military mission in the Arctic. In addition, the Bundeswehr would be providing capacities for aerial refuelling, Mr Pistorius said on the sidelines of a meeting of the EU defence ministers in Brussels. He also stated that further action would be coordinated among the Nato partners.

Boris Pistorius pointed out that the Arctic and the High North were relevant to European and Northern American security. The so-called GIUK gap between Greenland, Iceland and Great Britain played a central role with regard to routes into the North Atlantic and beyond, also for Russian submarines, the minister added.

Prior to Mr Pistorius’ statement, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe Alexus G. Grynkewich had announced the start of an activity titled Arctic Sentry. The goal of the operation was to secure one of the most strategically significant and environmentally challenging areas, the US General said. The mission is also intended to contribute to a further deescalation of the Greenland conflict started by US President Donald Trump.

Boris Pistorius said to the TV channel ZDF that the aim of the mission was not to respond to Trump. “Greenland is part of the Arctic, but this is not a Greenland mission. It is all about Nato showing presence in the Arctic. This is good and the right thing to do, and that’s why we are taking part in it.”