Visiting troops in Munster
"All the political efforts to achieve détente will only be effective if, parallel to this, we can demonstrate that we are ready to defend ourselves if necessary," said Chancellor Angela Merkel. In Munster she visited the Bundeswehr and gained a first-hand impression of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force Land.
1 min reading time
The NATO spearhead during exercises in Munster - Chancellor Merkel gained a first-hand impression of the force's operational capabilities
Photo: Bundesregierung/Bergmann
"Ukraine has shown us how swiftly the territorial integrity of a nation close to NATO states can be violated even today – this is no theoretical exercise," declared Chancellor Angela Merkel. In the Lower Saxony town of Munster she visited the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force Land (VJTF) – NATO’s rapid intervention force.
In a dynamic exercise that involved some 400 soldiers from the Bundeswehr and other NATO member states, the VJTF demonstrated its operational capabilities. In early 2019, the Bundeswehr assumed the command of the task force. The command rotates among member states every twelve months.
Defence of country and NATO important
The Chancellor made it clear that developments over the last few years have demonstrated that the defence of the country and of the alliance are important, alongside peace and stabilisation missions. The Very High Readiness Joint Task Force Land (VJTF) – NATO’s rapid intervention force plays a particularly important part in this.
Angela Merkel stressed that soldiers are entitled to the material they need, the best possible equipment, and opportunities for training and exercises. In this way it is to be ensured that Germany meets its commitments to NATO and that it is seen as a reliable and effective partner within NATO.
The Very High Readiness Joint Task Force Land (VJTF L) is multinational, and the most modern, capable and robust NATO response force, as well as being rapidly deployable. The task force, which comprises about 5,000 soldiers, can be deployed worldwide at extremely short notice, to help NATO allies in an emergency.