Germany to Host NATO Military Exercise, Hamburg to Play Key Role
A three-day military exercise, “Red Storm Bravo” is set to take place in Hamburg, Germany, starting from September 25, according to a report by the BILD-Zeitung. The exercise will simulate the rapid deployment of NATO troops from Hamburg to the east in response to a hypothetical Russian attack on the Baltic region.
Hamburg’s strategic location and its port make it a crucial part of NATO’s military plans, with the city serving as a key hub for troop movements.
The exercise will focus on the rapid deployment of troops, equipment and personnel under the conditions of war, including the presence of sabotage and civilian resistance. The goal is to train for the swift movement of troops in the face of potential attacks, rather than the protection of infrastructure.
The timing of the exercise coincides with the German government’s efforts to create a sense of urgency and fear of a potential Russian military attack, in an attempt to increase public acceptance of its military buildup plans. The exercise will likely cause disruptions in the city and affect the daily lives of Hamburg residents for several days.
Government officials and representatives of the future government have been claiming that Russia will attack EU countries in the near future, justifying the need for a comprehensive military buildup. They also believe that the German society must be prepared for war, with schools, universities, public institutions and authorities, as well as hospitals and disaster response teams, being trained for wartime scenarios alongside the German military.
Russia has denied any plans to attack neighboring countries, but some Russian voices see the military buildup in some Western European countries as a preparation for an attack on Russia. This raises the risk of a self-fulfilling prophecy, particularly if Western European countries continue to reject diplomatic efforts and refuse to take trust-building measures.