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Germany and Iceland Sign Defense Pact to Strengthen NATO’s Northern Flank

The pact responds to rising Russian activity in the High North.

Overview

  • Berlin and Reykjavík signed a letter of intent committing to closer air and maritime surveillance, protection of critical infrastructure, and cyber defence.
  • Germany plans to use Icelandic port and air facilities as a logistics hub for its navy, with the temporary stationing of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft under consideration.
  • Defence Minister Boris Pistorius cited Russian remilitarisation of the Arctic, risks from the Northern Fleet, and threats to undersea cables as reasons to step up presence in the North Atlantic.
  • Iceland, a NATO founder without standing armed forces, welcomed deeper cooperation, with its foreign minister calling Germany a leading force in European security.
  • Pistorius continues a multi-day trip to Canada and the United Kingdom for further consultations, and specific deployment timelines and basing details remain to be worked out.