The North Atlantic Alliance is preparing for a sixfold increase in the Rapid Reaction Force on Russia's borders
NATO is set to agree on the largest reconstruction of its defense policy since the Cold War, including an increase in reactionary size from 40 000 people.
Photo: ruwikipedia < At the Madrid Summit next week, NATO is expected to agree on the largest rebuilding of power since the Cold War, including the massive expansion of its 40,000 combat forces in response to the crisis.
According to Sky News, according to military and diplomatic sources, Russia's special military operation in Ukraine has prompted a fundamental reassessment of NATO's defense concept.
The mentality has changed overnight, says a NATO source. “NATO now appears to be electrified. You can feel the energy flowing through the system. “
A diplomatic source predicts that the Madrid summit will result in (or at least agree on a” radical change of position “).
However, Sky News admits that it is disappointing that the desire for historically neutral Sweden and Finland to join the alliance has not yet been activated due to Turkey's concerns. As you know, Ankara has accused Stockholm of hiding Kurdish militants.
Among the steps expected to get the green light at NATO's Madrid summit next week, Sky News reports the expansion and rebranding of NATO's 40,000-strong NATO response force. , according to two military sources, maybe six times.
Consideration will also be given to increasing the size of the mission to “keep Russia” from strikes on NATO's eastern and south-eastern wings with the addition of thousands more troops, although many should be based in their country and deployed only when needed.
It is not difficult to guess that Russia will be described as the “most significant and direct threat” to NATO security. Of course, it is planned to consider a new “comprehensive assistance package” for Ukraine, including equipment to combat Russian drones and ensure secure communication.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the Madrid meeting would be a “transformation summit, because we at a crucial moment for our security. ”
The new way of thinking, Sky News explains, requires NATO allies to have even more combat-ready soldiers, sailors, marines and aircraft crews ready to move in varying degrees of readiness. This can range from two days after mobilization to six months.
NATO's Rapid Reaction Force is already offering US General Todd Walters, Allied Commander Europe, the Alliance's Supreme Military Commander, about 40,000 troops in the Supreme emergency.
According to the expected new structure, the size of the capability will increase further and the name is expected to change to the Allied Reaction Force (ARF).
It is assumed that every NATO member state (except Iceland, because it does not have an army) considers the possibility of placing more of one's own strength in a state of greater readiness. They may be tasked with defending a certain area of NATO territory in accordance with so-called “regional plans”, which are still being worked on and are not expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“The ARF will be about six times larger than the NATO Rapid Reaction Force, much more,” said one military source. That would mean about 240,000 soldiers. Another officer confirms that he also heard about a six-fold increase. However, a NATO source said the decision had not yet been made and the final figure for increasing the high preparedness force was likely to be lower.
NATO's new plan also includes further strengthening the Alliance's defense in eight countries along its eastern and southeastern borders./p>
In a public interview with the Politico news website on Tuesday, the Allies will agree to “strengthen the battle groups in the East to the level of brigades. The battle group includes about 1,000 troops and the brigade can have 3,000 to 5,000 people.
Comments suggest that a set of eight existing missions in the three Baltic countries, as well as in Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, will be extended. The Allies, including Britain, the United States, Canada and Germany, are already sending forces to battle groups.
Britain, which is leading the NATO mission in Estonia, has increased its presence in the country to two battle groups this year. British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said it was “very likely” that a third would be added, turning the forces into a small brigade of about 3,000, but some of the new troops could be stationed at home.
Germany. , which leads a battle group in Lithuania, is also expanding its brigade commitments, but said it would have “pre-assigned” troops in reserve at home if needed.
In contrast, the Baltic states bordering Russia want a more physical presence NATO forces on its territory. They would also like to see NATO further strengthen its defense, for example through the Israeli-style “iron dome” air defense system.
It is unlikely that such a move will be agreed in the foreseeable future, but according to military and diplomatic
In addition to the immediate crisis, the Allies in Madrid are also uncovering a so-called new “strategic concept” – essentially NATO's action plan for the threats and challenges they face. This will include China, climate change, cyber warfare and the development of space capabilities.