The facility will be led by a German admiral, with a Polish admiral serving as deputy, reflecting the multinational nature of the command.

Germany, which has the largest navy in the Baltic within NATO, has taken on a regional leadership role as of October 1, 2024.

On October 21, 2024, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius inaugurated the Commander Task Force Baltic facility in Rostock, aimed at monitoring the Baltic Sea alongside NATO partners.

This new headquarters is part of NATO's efforts to bolster defense capabilities in response to ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly 1000 days.

Pistorius emphasized the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea region for European security, particularly in light of threats from Russia.

The headquarters will coordinate allied naval activities and monitor the situation in the Baltic Sea to counter perceived aggressive actions from Russia.

The Baltic Sea is not only a vital supply route for NATO but also an economically significant zone for the bordering countries.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has heightened concerns about potential Russian aggression in the Baltic region.

In response to the establishment of the new NATO maritime headquarters, Russia summoned the German ambassador in Moscow.

Pistorius stated that the establishment of the headquarters does not violate any existing treaties, countering Russian claims.

In peacetime, the headquarters can accommodate 60 personnel from various partner countries, expandable to 240 during crises or conflicts.

Russia has increased its espionage activities in the Baltic, targeting infrastructure to undermine European security.