This week, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Amanda Dory, returned to the United States after an important visit to Europe. During her trip, Ms. Dory made key stops in Berlin, Germany, and London, United Kingdom. Her visit focused on strengthening defense partnerships and addressing critical global security challenges. The first stop on her trip was in Berlin, where she met with Dr. Jasper Wieck, the Political Director of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defense.
The meetings in Berlin reinforced the strong bond between the U.S. and Germany. Ms. Dory and Dr. Wieck held strategic dialogues aimed at solidifying their defense relationship and supporting the NATO Alliance. Both officials discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine and how Russia’s unprovoked invasion continues to shape global security. Ms. Dory thanked Germany for its continued support of Ukraine, especially in providing security assistance and leadership within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
Their discussions highlighted the shared understanding of the security threats both nations face. Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine have raised alarms throughout NATO, and both the U.S. and Germany emphasised the importance of a united response.
Tackling Global Security Threats Together
In their dialogue, Ms. Dory and Dr. Wieck also addressed broader global challenges. They discussed crises in the Middle East and how to navigate the rising security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. and Germany see eye to eye on the need to address these threats in a coordinated and robust manner.
Ms. Dory and Dr. Wieck agreed that strengthening defense industrial cooperation is critical to improving NATO’s collective defense capabilities. Both emphasized that enhancing cooperation on defense technologies and military operations would make NATO stronger and better equipped to face emerging threats.
Both leaders also underlined the importance of improving interoperability between their forces. This means ensuring that U.S. and German troops, as well as other NATO allies, can work together seamlessly in joint operations. Achieving this would help ensure that NATO remains strong and capable of defending member nations against common enemies.
U.S. and Germany: Partners in Ukraine’s Defense
Germany has played a leading role in supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. During their meeting, Ms. Dory expressed appreciation for Germany’s continued efforts to provide military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Germany’s leadership in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group has been a cornerstone of the international response to the war in Ukraine. Both nations are committed to standing by Ukraine and working together to push back against Russian threats.
Germany has been a reliable partner in delivering security assistance to Ukraine, helping to bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty. The U.S. and Germany are united in their commitment to Ukraine’s future and the overall security of Europe.
Strengthening Defense Cooperation with the UK and Norway
After her visit to Germany, Ms. Dory traveled to London, where she took part in another important event. In London, she signed a Strategic Policy Roadmap for Trilateral Multi-Domain Cooperation with two key allies: the United Kingdom and Norway. This roadmap represents a major step forward in the defense collaboration between these three nations.
The roadmap was signed by Ms. Dory, the UK Ministry of Defence Director General Paul Wyatt, and the Norwegian Ministry of Defense Director General for Security Policy and Operations, Henning Vaglum. The agreement aims to boost cooperation in critical areas such as Arctic defense, intelligence practices, and military training. All three nations recognise the growing strategic importance of the Arctic region.
Focus on Arctic Defense
The Arctic is becoming an increasingly vital region for global security. Climate change and melting ice have opened up new shipping lanes and resources, which in turn has attracted more attention from global powers, including Russia. To address this, the U.S., UK, and Norway are working together to develop forces capable of operating in the Arctic environment.
The roadmap focuses on setting common standards for Arctic-capable military forces. This includes training for troops to handle the harsh conditions of the Arctic and developing equipment that can function effectively in the extreme cold. By working together, these nations aim to build a stronger defense presence in the High North and Arctic regions.
Ms. Dory emphasized that this cooperation is essential for long-term peace and stability in the Arctic. By improving intelligence sharing and conducting regular military training, the U.S., UK, and Norway are ensuring they are prepared to respond to any threats in this region.
Enhancing Intelligence and Training
The Strategic Policy Roadmap also focuses on improving intelligence practices between the three nations. Sharing intelligence on potential threats is critical for ensuring that all three countries can respond quickly and effectively to security challenges. The roadmap encourages regular engagement between intelligence agencies to strengthen their ability to gather and share information.
Additionally, the roadmap calls for more frequent joint military exercises and training events. By regularly training together, U.S., UK, and Norwegian forces can develop the skills and cooperation needed to work together during real-world military operations. This level of collaboration is key to building trust and ensuring that the forces can act as one during a crisis.
Building Long-Term Security
Ms. Dory’s meetings in London also covered bilateral defense relationships with both the UK and Norway. She discussed shared priorities with Paul Wyatt and Henning Vaglum, focusing on how to keep improving cooperation in key areas like cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, and military readiness. All three nations are committed to maintaining strong defense partnerships in order to address today’s complex security environment.
Ms. Dory on her trip to Europe highlights the U.S.’s commitment to its European allies. By working together, the U.S., Germany, UK, and Norway are reinforcing the foundations of NATO and preparing to face future security challenges head-on. Their collaboration is key to ensuring peace, stability, and a unified response to global threats.
As the world faces new security risks, close cooperation between these nations will be critical to maintaining peace and security, not just in Europe, but across the globe.
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