Vice-Admiral Kaack, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Navy sent more than a dozen ships to the Baltic Sea.

Other countries bordering the Baltic Sea have also greatly increased their presence.

It had a certain symbolic power.

But where and for what purpose were the ships actually sent?

Peter Carstens

Political correspondent in Berlin

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First of all, on the situation: the situation in the Baltic Sea is under control, and it is because we showed very quickly that we can bring forces into the area.

We were present and vigilant, that was a clear signal to Russia.

In addition, we were able to encourage our western allies in the idea: one for all and all for one.

We have coordinated this closely with our NATO partners, but also with Finland and Sweden.

We have sent minehunters to the Tallinn area.

An anti-aircraft frigate, the Sachsen, was stationed in the middle of the Baltic Sea.

It can locate flight movements very precisely, even at great distances.

At the moment we have a multinational anti-mine force on maneuvers there.

Our goal was to demonstrate in the Baltic Sea that we are there.

How did the Russian side react?

As a naval force, you can quickly set accents that others also see.

Of course we were noticed.

We see standard behavior on the Russian side, i.e. the usual events.

There were standard practice activities and compliant approaches to our units.

You meet each other all the time in this region anyway.

So you didn't see any signs from the Russian side of escalating the conflict?

no

On the contrary, we tend to have signs that the other side is trying to limit the conflict.

But it certainly also contributed to the fact that we, NATO and the German Navy, showed very quickly that we were there.

You yourself had, however, or so it was reported, talked about a real danger of mining in the Baltic Sea ...

I spoke abstractly about the possibilities of the threats.

That includes mines and of course ships.

Mines are always a means of changing geography, for an opponent, but also for ourselves. In the Baltic Sea, we all know each other very well, and that's why we managed not to overheat the situation.

So everyone sticks to an imaginary line that they are currently not crossing.

If a British aircraft carrier were to enter the Baltic Sea now, that might send the wrong signal.

What role can the navy play in this region at all?

It is small, but at the same time, along with the Russian one, it is the largest in the Baltic Sea.

Yes, we are not a small navy in the Baltic Sea.

Others look at us with certain expectations, enjoy working with us and also see us as a partner.

But this role has to be handled responsibly.

In any case, I work on an equal footing with all inspectors in the Baltic Sea Navy – regardless of their size.

That's how we understand each other.

Can the current naval presence in the Baltic Sea be maintained at all?

The operational readiness of the frigates and corvettes was not particularly high recently.

Well, we initially had about 40 percent of the entire fleet in the Baltic Sea in one day.

That was a clear sign, but you can't keep it up in the long run.

Therefore, at the same time, we started to write an operational concept for the Baltic Sea, Baltic Guard, in which others participate.

We can ensure that NATO ships - surface units - are represented wherever it is needed.

Does Germany have to withdraw from other engagements, for example in the Mediterranean?

That is for politics to decide.

But we stopped the corvette "Erfurt", which was on its way to the Mediterranean, near Borkum and sent it to the permanent NATO Task Force 1 in the Norwegian Sea.

As a result, we now have a temporary hiatus at Unifil in the Mediterranean.

In Berlin, the equipment of the Bundeswehr is being discussed.

What ideas does the Navy have when it comes to the 100 billion euro package?

What would be important?