Nato’s aim of ensuring member states’ peace and stability means military operations sometimes extend to securing naval trade routes, one of its top naval commanders has explained.

Rear Admiral Thorsten Kaehler used the example of anti-piracy Nato operations in the Horn of Africa, insisting: “We will not let our peaceful development over the years go down the drain.”

Admiral Kaehler currently commands Nato’s Maritime Group 2, a four-vessel naval squadron led by the FGS Bayern. The German frigate is currently in Malta with two other Nato ships – the Turkish TCG Gediz and Italian ITS Maestrale.

The squadron is involved in various activities, from anti-terrorist operations to diplomatic activities, military exercises and peacekeeping missions.

While in Malta it is carrying out some joint training exercises with Maltese armed forces personnel. The frequency of such exercises was entirely Malta’s prerogative, Admiral Kaehler said.

“We have the equipment and personnel and we’re always happy to find training partners. But it’s up to the Maltese government to decide its level of engagement.”

Having praised Malta for its picturesque nature and “extremely friendly ” people, the naval commander spoke about life aboard a Nato vessel.

“One of the main attractions is the exchange of ideas among crew members. It’s not an official task but behind the curtains it plays a very important role.”

Almost 140 metres long, the 16-year-old FGS Bayern carries a 200-person crew. Its interior is entirely pressurised to repel any chemical attack, while a vast array of missiles, guns, torpedoes and chaff dispensers line its exterior, ready for enemy action.

At its rear, two Sea Lynx helicopters sit in little hangars, hidden out of sight. With a range of 200 nautical miles, the English-built helicopters are used in a range of activities, from search and rescue operations to reconnaissance duties.