Ahead of upcoming NATO consultations regarding Russia’s repeated incursions into its airspace, a prominent voice within the German parliament’s governing coalition is advocating for robust countermeasures. Jürgen Hardt, the CDU’s spokesperson for foreign policy, stated to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland that the Kremlin requires a decisive deterrent.
Hardt emphasized that a clear message demonstrating a willingness to respond to any military border violations with commensurate military force is essential – potentially including the interception and, if necessary, shooting down of Russian fighter jets over NATO territory. He warned that the escalating provocations and tests by Russia will persist unless met with consistent and forceful responses. Failure to do so, he argued, risks a downward spiral, culminating in the targeting of specific locations or even the deployment of Russian troops.
Separately, Siemtje Möller, Vice Chair of the SPD parliamentary group and a defense expert, has called on NATO to consider expanding its air surveillance capabilities along its eastern flank. Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Möller highlighted that recent incidents have revealed vulnerabilities in the alliance’s current defensive mechanisms. She suggested that discussions should include strengthening “Air Policing” operations in the Baltic states, similar to measures implemented following a recent incident in Poland. Möller anticipates a resolute yet measured response from NATO.
