NATO intends to substantially amplify its military strength, according to information obtained by DPA.
NATO is thrusting its military muscle to ward off the looming threat from Russia, reportedly expanding its capabilities by around 30%. This ramp-up includes beefing up stocks of long-range missiles and drones, bolstering artillery systems, and bolstering air defense systems, according to DPA's sources within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
To achieve these goals, NATO members are expected to receive updated objectives for their national planning, with the targets to be formally endorsed at the NATO defense ministers' meeting on June 5 in Brussels, as DPA adds.
Previously, Bloomberg reported that NATO had asked European countries in the alliance to increase their ground-based air defense capabilities by five times. The alliance is said to be planning to approve a commitment to increase weapons stockpiles as part of plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.
In early March, Dmitry Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin's press secretary, noted that the Kremlin is keeping a close eye on Europe's military buildup and defense sector discussions. He warned that Russia may respond with reciprocal measures to safeguard its security, given the EU's rhetoric doesn't align with its quest for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
NATO's efforts to counter Russia's expansive military strategy touch upon various fronts, ranging from multinational exercises and air combat readiness to developing and testing next-generation air defense systems and enhancing rapid deployment and force surge capabilities. The alliance aims to swiftly respond to Russia's initial offensive momentum, focusing on thwarting efforts to seize territory and critical infrastructure.
To strengthen its deterrence in the High North and Baltic Sea regions following Finland and Sweden's NATO membership, the alliance has ramped up exercises and deployments to bolster its presence in strategic zones and to close geographic gaps in its posture. By neutralizing Russian UAVs, precision glide bombs, and cyber assaults, NATO is ensuring a robust defense against modern hybrid warfare tactics.
As part of this ambitious agenda, NATO plans to deploy new capabilities by the end of 2025, with a strategic emphasis on readiness for a potential large-scale conventional war with Russia. The modernization and readiness improvements will continue through 2027, culminating in enhanced rapid deployment mechanisms, advanced surveillance capabilities, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies across its forces.
- The escalating tensions between NATO and Russia, as reported by DPA, have led to an increase in political focus on general-news, with NATO members expected to update their national objectives to counter Russia's military advancements.
- In response to Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, such as the use of drones and cyber assaults, NATO is planning to deploy new capabilities, including advanced air defense systems and enhanced rapid deployment mechanisms, by the end of 2025, as part of its efforts to deter Russian aggression.
