Jagel (dpa) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has praised the air force manoeuvre “Air Defender”, calling it an important sign of the unity and defence readiness of Nato and its allies. During a visit to Jagel air base in Schleswig-Holstein, where fighter jets of the Bundeswehr and other armed forces are taking part in the biggest air exercise in Nato’s history, Scholz said on Friday that it was about “everyone taking the statement seriously that we are ready to defend every centimetre of our territory”. In total, 25 countries with around 10,000 soldiers and 250 aircraft are taking part in the drill.
Demonstrating cooperation within the alliance sends a “great message”, particularly in these times, Scholz said in Jagel,referring to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. “The willingness to cooperate closely with one another here is very great.”
Next week, the soldiers in Jagel will have another prominent visitor. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will then watch the drill together with Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
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