NATO bolsters Eastern defences amid rising Russian threat
NATO plans to increase the number of brigades by 50% in response to the threat from Russia. Poland and Germany are expected to play key roles in these changes. What other changes is the North Atlantic Alliance planning?
NATO defence ministers are discussing increasing the number of brigades from 80 to 120-130, which means a 50% increase. This is a response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the potential threat to the eastern flank of the alliance. Poland and Germany are expected to provide the main forces to repel any possible attack.
NATO's new goals
According to information from Reuters, NATO's new goals include increasing the number of soldiers ready for combat from 400,000 to 600,000-650,000. The latest plans are expected to be agreed upon at the NATO summit in The Hague at the end of June. The alliance aims to enhance its military capabilities in light of the growing threat from Russia.
NATO also plans to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, with 3.5% dedicated directly to defence. Poland is already allocating 4.7% of its GDP to this goal, making it one of the leaders among alliance members.
Germany is to train seven additional brigades, which poses a challenge considering the current manpower of the Bundeswehr. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius does not rule out reinstating conscription if recruiting a sufficient number of contract soldiers proves unsuccessful.
The United Kingdom plans to invest over £1 billion in a new digital system that will allow for faster identification and destruction of enemy targets. A Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will also be established to protect military networks from cyberattacks.
Scenario of war on NATO's eastern flank - RAND analysis
RAND analysts in their report indicate that a potential NATO conflict with Russia would differ from the current war in Ukraine. A crucial element would be NATO's air superiority, which could break the positional stalemate characteristic of land operations in Ukraine.
The report emphasises that despite specific weaknesses, such as insufficient ammunition production, NATO maintains a firepower advantage over Russia. Analysts highlight the necessity of neutralising the Russian air defence system, which would enable NATO to conduct active reconnaissance and precise attacks on enemy territory.
In the event of a Russian attack on a NATO country, the alliance would quickly launch a counteroffensive. In the first days, Russia might strike NATO forces, but air superiority would allow the alliance to regain the initiative soon.
