Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, stated on Tuesday that Russia is building a new class of submarines designed to destroy underwater cables, pipelines, and other infrastructure. He added that security threats across Northern Europe are increasing.
Increasing Security Threats
Merz said in this regard: "I was in Finland yesterday, where we held a meeting on security policy in the Arctic with Nordic countries. What we were told there did not lessen any of my concerns."
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He also pointed out that "we are witnessing a massive threat to all our marine infrastructure. Russia is currently building a new class of submarines dedicated to destroying marine infrastructure."
The Impact of International Wars on the German Economy
Merz further referred to the impact of international wars and conflicts on Germany's economic and technological sectors, stating that Europeans must confront threats to their freedom for some time. He highlighted the dangers posed by Russia and defended his government's decision to increase defense spending to unprecedented levels.
He said: "Sometimes I step away from my desk and think: 'Damn, what are we actually doing?' We are spending vast amounts of money on defense." Merz also emphasized that "we do not live in a peaceful world. We see a threat to our freedom."
Developing Technological Capabilities in Europe
Merz also stressed the need to build technological capabilities in security and defense in Europe. He referred to the success of the German company Isar Aerospace, which has launched its Spectrum rocket from Norway and placed European-made satellites into orbit.
He said: "Europe needs its options for navigation and satellite systems independent of the United States. We are currently establishing a geographic satellite system that will make us independent from GPS and Elon Musk." Merz also announced that his aircraft's navigation system failed during a flight to Northern Europe due to Russian disruptions.
He said about this: "Maybe some of you here know that I am a pilot myself. I am not currently flying, but I have done it for years. I had an experience on a flight to Northern Europe where all my navigation systems failed due to Russian disruptions."
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