NATO’s enhanced readiness amid Russian threats

THE European elements of NATO have dramatically upped their combat preparedness following incidents of Russian aircraft and drones flying into their airspace.

- THE IDLER [e-mail]

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirms that the targets "describe exactly what capabilities Allies need to invest in over the coming years... to keep our deterrence and defence strong and our one billion people safe."

The targets are the basis for a new defence investment plan, which is expected to be approved at the NATO Summit in The Hague.

The proposal calls for Allies to invest 5 percent of GDP on defence, including 3.5 percent on core defence spending, as well as 1.5 percent of GDP per year on defence and security-related investment, including in infrastructure and resilience.

The NATO-Ukraine Council also met, with Allies joined by the Ukrainian Minister a Defence, Rustem Umerov, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.