Germany to send fighter jets to Latvia ahead of election amid drone threat

Germany is preparing to send fighter jets to Latvia during the period surrounding the country's Oct. 3 election, responding to a rising security threat posed by drones. Riga reportedly asked Berlin for additional support, and Germany has agreed to provide it.

Other German defense moves

Alongside the support for Latvia, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the country wants to secure PAC-3 interceptor missile production in Europe. A global shortage of these missiles has prompted Germany to seek its own production line, reducing reliance on outside suppliers.

Meanwhile, the race for one of NATO's most influential posts continues: Germany's Carsten Breuer and Canada's Jennie Carignan are competing to become the next chair of NATO's Military Committee. The contest for the position is described as a quiet but intense behind-the-scenes battle.

Taken together, the three developments show Germany actively expanding its role in European security in recent days — regionally, by backing ally Latvia ahead of its election; industrially, through missile production; and institutionally, within NATO's top military leadership.