Nato to boost rapid reaction force in ‘biggest overhaul since Cold War’
- Chief Jens Stoltenberg said the military alliance will increase the size by nearly eightfold to 300,000 troops
- In Nato’s new strategic concept, the alliance is also expected to address for the first time the security challenges posed by China
Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday that the military alliance will increase the size of its rapid reaction forces nearly eightfold to 300,000 troops as part of its response to an “era of strategic competition.”
The Nato response force currently has about 40,000 soldiers which can deploy quickly when needed.
Coupled with other measures including the deployment of forces to defend specific allies, Stoltenberg said the move is part of the “biggest overhaul of collective defence and deterrence since the Cold War.”
Stoltenberg made the remarks at a press conference ahead of a Nato summit later this week in Madrid when the 30 allies are expected to also agree on further support to Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Stoltenberg said he expects allies to make clear they consider Russia “as the most significant and direct threat to our security.”
In Nato’s new strategic concept, the alliance is also expected to address for the first time the security challenges posed by China, Stoltenberg said. In Madrid, allies will discuss how to respond to the growing influence of Russia and China in their “southern neighbourhood,” he added.