Bardufoss, Norway (dpa) – Given the Russian threat in the far northern regions of Europe, German Army Inspector Christian Freuding intends to further expand cooperation with NATO partner Norway to defend the alliance in the far north.

“Russia is just as much of a threat here in this region as it is in Central Europe,” the lieutenant general said on Saturday at the start of a visit to the Cold Response 2026 NATO military exercise.

Freuding visited a command post on the outskirts of the Norwegian village of Bardufoss. The post is directing German soldiers taking part in the exercise.

On Sunday, the Germans were due to relieve US soldiers leading a counter-attack across snow-covered and icy mountain terrain during the exercise.

“The task facing the 23rd Mountain Brigade here is a counter-attack to retake allied territory. And this under the extreme conditions, the Arctic conditions, that we find here,” said Freuding. Germany is thus making a contribution to deterrence, he said.

Around 25,000 men and women from 14 nations are taking part in the exercise organized by Norway, while NATO notes that an additional 7,500 soldiers are participating in Finland.

The Bundeswehr, or German Armed Forces, is represented in Norway by the army, air force and navy, including 1,600 army soldiers alone.

Source: dpa.com