Germany must act. Its Arctic presence is no longer optional but essential. As Russia militarizes the High North and China’s ambitions grow, Berlin must confront reality: Diplomacy alone cannot shield maritime lifelines or uphold international order. Sending the navy signals a certain resolve, defends freedom of navigation, and secures Europe's vulnerable northern flank.
Germany’s sabre‑rattling masks brittle sinews; its bid to counter Russia rings hollow. The nation is crippled by military atrophy, civilian unease with conflict, and hollowed-out industry. Even its shipyards — the backbone of any maritime might — are on life support. Mental fragility, bureaucratic bloat, and foreign vultures circling its naval assets expose Germany's soft underbelly.