NATO Prepares for Large-Scale Defensive Operations on Its Territory

NATO's new regional plans will require enhancements in command and control structures, allowing the alliance to refocus on large-scale operations within its territory, stated General Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

“Our regional plans are geographically aimed at defending certain areas of NATO territory. They integrate the national defense plans of frontline countries with NATO's plans, thereby optimizing the alliance's ability to move its forces to the right place at the right time,” the American general mentioned during a press conference following a meeting of NATO's Military Committee at the level of the chiefs of defense of member countries in Brussels on Wednesday.

With this change, according to him, “the alliance, which has focused on crisis management operations outside NATO territories, will transform into an entity adapted to large-scale military operations and the defense of every square centimeter of its territory.”

“This is what the new reality demands of us,” emphasized NATO’s European forces commander.