German frigate sets sail as extra support for NATO's northern flank

A German naval frigate set sail on Thursday to join NATO's rapid reaction troops and support its northern flank, the Navy said, amid a new security situation in Europe unleashed by Russia's war on Ukraine, reported dpa.

The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern frigate departed from Wilhelmshaven with some 220 soldiers in board, including crew members from Slovakia.

The 140-metre frigate is also bringing a specialist medical group and naval aviators with two on-board helicopters.

"The ship and the crew have now completed a good nine months of operational training with a clear focus on national and alliance defence tasks," said frigate captain Hendrik Wißler, according to a Navy statement.

The crew is now due to contribute its skills as part of NATO's rapid reaction force, show operational readiness and support the defence alliance, he said.

Defence Ministry parliamentary state secretary Siemtje Möller and her Slovakian counterpart Marian Majer came to the base for the farewell ceremony before the vessel set sail. Families and friends of the crew and a marine corps also attended.

The German Bundeswehr did not state exactly where the vessel was headed. NATO's Northern Flank spans the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the North Atlantic.

Several German naval vessels set sail from Kiel to the Baltic Sea shortly after Russia began its invasion on February 24. Current planning foresees the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern back in Wilhelmshaven in July.