Germany, Netherlands establish NATO command center

Germany and the Netherlands are jointly establishing a new tactical NATO command center in the Baltic states, specifically in Estonia and Latvia, to strengthen NATO's eastern flank and deter Russia. This command center, known as 1GNC, will be capable of controlling up to 50,000 troops and will be responsible for planning exercises, preparing for conflicts, and leading forces if war breaks out. The move comes amid increasing hybrid threats and drone incursions in the region, with Baltic leaders and EU officials cautioning about intensifying threats along Europe's eastern border. The new headquarters will supplement the existing NATO command center in Poland, providing greater capacity and quicker response capabilities. Germany will command 1GNC until early 2028, with 14 other NATO countries contributing staff.