NATO to Strengthen its Long-range Missile Arsenal as Deterrence Against Russia
Western military officials emphasize the importance of long-range missiles in deterring potential Russian aggression.
NATO is considering the deployment of additional long-range missiles to counter potential threats from Russia, according to a US Army general.
The decision comes in response to Russia's increased production and use of long-range weapons in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
These missiles are seen as crucial for targeting command posts, transportation hubs, and missile launchers deep within enemy territory.
The conflict has exposed Europe's heavy reliance on the United States for these capabilities, with Ukraine seeking to bolster its air defenses.
The deployment of US long-range missiles in Europe was initially agreed upon during President Joe Biden's tenure but is now under review following President Donald Trump's return to office.
Russia views such deployments as a significant threat to its national security and has criticized NATO's concerns regarding potential attacks on alliance members, citing issues with NATO expansion as one reason for the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
European countries have acknowledged their reliance on US long-range missile capabilities, which currently account for approximately 90% of NATO's total capacity.
In response, several NATO member states are participating in a program to develop their own long-range, ground-launched conventional missiles known as the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA).
The UK and Germany have announced plans to begin development on a missile with a range exceeding 2,000 km as part of this initiative.
The decision comes in response to Russia's increased production and use of long-range weapons in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
These missiles are seen as crucial for targeting command posts, transportation hubs, and missile launchers deep within enemy territory.
The conflict has exposed Europe's heavy reliance on the United States for these capabilities, with Ukraine seeking to bolster its air defenses.
The deployment of US long-range missiles in Europe was initially agreed upon during President Joe Biden's tenure but is now under review following President Donald Trump's return to office.
Russia views such deployments as a significant threat to its national security and has criticized NATO's concerns regarding potential attacks on alliance members, citing issues with NATO expansion as one reason for the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
European countries have acknowledged their reliance on US long-range missile capabilities, which currently account for approximately 90% of NATO's total capacity.
In response, several NATO member states are participating in a program to develop their own long-range, ground-launched conventional missiles known as the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA).
The UK and Germany have announced plans to begin development on a missile with a range exceeding 2,000 km as part of this initiative.
