NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday praised the agreement on military service in Germany as he toured a NATO base in Geilenkirchen, near the border to the Netherlands.
“Each country decides for themselves how to get enough men and women into the military,” Rutte said. “But I am very happy to hear that the coalition here in Germany has now agreed on a way forward, and that is very important.”
The comments came after Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition announced a compromise on creating a voluntary military service to boost the country’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, with provisions for conscription if not enough young men enlist.
On the visit with Rutte, the premier of the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia said the Bundeswehr needs more personnel.
“It is right that the federal government is now resolutely pursuing this goal,” said Hendrik Wüst.
Rutte described the Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, known as AWACS, stationed in Geilenkirchen as NATO’s eyes in the sky. The converted Boeing 707 aircraft monitor the alliance’s airspace with the aim of early detection of potential threats.
AWACS are conspicuous due to their large, mushroom-like radar equipment on the back of the aircraft. This enables them to locate and identify other aircraft at a distance of more than 400 kilometres.
Wüst said that Russia was responsible for deliberate provocations, including violations of NATO airspace, in recent months.
“This is unacceptable. Our own defence capabilities also include airborne early detection and warning, which have become indispensable in this new world disorder,” said Wüst. “The backbone of NATO’s air and maritime surveillance is here with us in North Rhine-Westphalia.”