NATO has decided to rethink its approach to deterrence on its eastern borders. The New York Times (NYT), citing its sources, writes about a fundamental change in NATO’s defense concept to repel possible aggression against any of the member countries of the alliance. The concept of retaliatory deterrence morphs into another concept – non-strike deterrence, reports the NYT.
If previously NATO, in the event of a sudden attack on one of the countries, authorized the temporary occupation of part of its territory, followed by the liberation by NATO troops, the new concept assumes that the The alliance will endeavor to prevent the occupation of even a small part of its territory.
The NYT writes that after the Russian atrocities in the occupied territories of Ukraine, from Bucha and Irpen to Mariupol and Kherson, the Baltic States and Poland bordering Russia oppose the possibility of a Russian occupation, even short. Their argument is that at the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops occupied a larger area than some Baltic countries.
Camille Grand, who until recently served as NATO’s assistant secretary general for defense investment, told the New York Times that central and eastern European countries have insisted since the start of the war in Ukraine that that “it is no longer enough to be ready to deter with a promise of victory, but to protect every square inch of NATO territory from day one.
The new concept also involves a significant increase in NATO troops along the Russian border, increased integration of US and allied military plans, increased military spending, and changing requirements for allies to contribute specific types of troops and equipment for combat operations.
The North Atlantic Alliance also stresses that it seeks to make its actions more visible to Russia, which is a key element of deterrence.
Previously, NATO’s annual nuclear exercise, known as Steadfast Noon, was usually held without notice. But last year, after Russia invaded Ukraine, these exercises were carried out defiantly, with media coverage. As NATO officials said in an NYT commentary, such a demonstrative openness should also show Moscow that Russian nuclear threats are not stopping the alliance.
It was the invasion of Ukraine that, according to the NYT, prompted the alliance to lift remaining restrictions on NATO troop numbers along the entire border with Russia.
To date, NATO has deployed a battalion of inter-ethnic troops to eight countries along the eastern border. The Alliance is working in detail on how to increase the size of these forces in frontline states to increase deterrence and be able to repel invading forces early on.
In addition, in the new NATO concept, in the event of an attack on one of the countries of the alliance, the task is to quickly deploy thousands of additional troops to strengthen the defense, which provides for detailed plans upgrades for mobility and logistics and more stringent combat readiness requirements.
NATO troops in Europe are placed under the direct control of General Christopher Cavoli, commander of US forces in Europe.
The NYT, quoting NATO officials, writes that for the first time since the Cold War, Eastern European countries will know exactly what the alliance intends to do to protect them, and what military tasks fall to each country.
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