US Edition
NATO Wants European Members to Expand Air Defenses Fivefold
- On June 3, 2025, NATO called on its European members to significantly expand their ground-based air defense forces—by a factor of five—during discussions held in Brussels.
- This call followed heightened tensions due to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and ensuing concerns about European military vulnerabilities.
- The planned expansion intends to resolve deficits in air-defense systems designed to counter threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistic weapons, and combat aircraft, with details set to be discussed at the defense ministers’ meeting on June 5.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on June 2, 2025, 'We are not at war, but we're not at peace either,' emphasizing the need for enhanced deterrence.
- The effort signals a strategic shift toward robust European defense ahead of the June 24-25 NATO summit in The Hague, suggesting ongoing focus on countering Russian aggression.
36 Articles
36 Articles
Immediate steps that Europe can take to enhance its role in NATO defense
As NATO members gather in the Hague amid uncertainty about US commitment to the continent and concerns about Russia’s military rebuilding, what can European nations do to deter and, if necessary, defeat threats from Moscow?
As part of the agreed NATO goals in the field of defense capabilities, Slovenia will, according to Defense Minister Borut Sajovic, strengthen air defense, as well as helicopter units. Regarding air defense, the minister explained that Slovenia has already purchased three medium-range Iris-T systems from Germany.
A significant troop buildup, long-range missiles and a strengthened air defense on the European continent top the list of new force goals that NATO defense ministers are expected to adopt on Thursday. Several NATO countries are under pressure and cannot afford both armaments and welfare.
Rutte: "Ready to a devastating reaction" Washington advises Europeans to quintuplicate the anti-aircraft
Larger armies and stronger air defense. Now comes NATO's new list of demands for Europe and Sweden. - It's good for Sweden and good for NATO, says Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M). But some analysts warn that countries will miss the goals.
The Alliance's main priorities are air and missile defense, long-range weapons, logistics and large land maneuver formations, NATO Secretary General said.
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