Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has arrived in Rostock on the eastern Baltic Sea coast to inaugurate the Command Task Force Baltic, a new naval command center that aims to boost the defense readiness in the Baltic Sea region.

The naval center under German command will be responsible for planning joint exercises with other NATO member states and is "ready to direct naval operations in times of peace, crisis and war," the minister told reporters.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has heightened concerns that Moscow could also attack NATO countries. Germany and NATO have seen an uptick in espionage activity by Russia and have warned of other potential threats, especially around the Baltic Sea region. 

Editor's note: The original title of this video referred to the naval center in Rostock as a NATO headquarters.The Command Task Force Baltic is a German naval tactical headquarters with multinational participation. It will be led by a German admiral and staffed by people from other NATO member states. Watch our updated video about the naval base for more information.