Germany, Netherlands to set up Nato command centre in Baltics
Germany and the Netherlands will set up a joint tactical headquarters in the Baltics this year to command forces on Nato’s eastern flank and help deter Russia, Berlin said on Thursday.
The joint German-Dutch command centre known as 1GNC will “assume a command role on Nato’s eastern flank, specifically in the region of Estonia and Latvia” in coming months, the German defence ministry said in a statement.
“The deployment of an additional tactical headquarters to the region strengthens the cohesion of Nato and supports the deterrence of Russia,” it said.
1GNC is a command centre that can control up to 50,000 troops if needed.
Its tasks include planning and running military exercises, planning for possible conflict and leading forces if a war breaks out.
The unit, the German-Netherlands Corps, is headquartered in Muenster, Germany, and deploys from there for Nato missions when required.