IRIA News

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NATO’s highest Military Authority convened in Prague, Czech Republic, on September 14, 2024, for the annual Military Committee Conference. Chiefs of Defense from NATO member states discussed pressing strategic developments. The meeting focused on bolstering NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities while continuing its critical support for Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression.

Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, opened the conference by emphasizing the twin tasks NATO faces in the current geopolitical climate. “The NATO Military Authorities have two herculean tasks that they need to undertake simultaneously,” Bauer said. “While continuing and ramping up our support to Ukraine, we must also bolster our own deterrence and defense.”

Bauer underscored NATO’s efforts over the past year to enhance its defense strategies, referencing the DDA (Deterrence and Defense of the Euro-Atlantic Area) Family of Plans. This set of defense plans, approved last year, aims to strengthen the Alliance’s readiness and adaptability.

“NATO now has 500,000 troops on high readiness, we established the Allied Reaction Force, and we are adapting our Command-and-Control structure,” Bauer explained. He highlighted the rapid development and expansion of military capabilities across the Alliance as essential steps in safeguarding Europe’s security.

NATO’s New Defense Plans

Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli, provided an update on the progress made in implementing NATO’s new defense plans. Over the past year, NATO has significantly strengthened its warfighting capabilities by placing 500,000 troops on high readiness, establishing the Allied Reaction Force, and enhancing its command-and-control structure. According to Cavoli, these efforts are designed to bolster NATO’s ability to deter and, if necessary, defend against potential threats.

The final session, led by General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, focused on transforming NATO’s warfighting capabilities. A key highlight was the launch of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre (JATEC), which will play a vital role in enhancing Ukraine’s interoperability with NATO forces.

“It is a step we are taking today for a better and lasting peaceful future together,” Lavigne stated, emphasizing the significance of this initiative for both NATO and Ukraine. The Chiefs of Defense also discussed new capability targets under NATO’s Defense Planning Process, emphasizing that each member state must continue to develop its pledged military capabilities.

As NATO’s Military Committee Conference concluded, the Chiefs of Defense reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the Alliance’s readiness and ensuring that Ukraine continues to receive vital support. With growing military capabilities and expanded interoperability, NATO remains poised to meet evolving global security challenges head-on.

Support for Ukraine

Lieutenant General Karel Rehka, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, stressed the need for continued NATO support to Ukraine, describing the war as a pivotal struggle not just for Ukraine but for democratic principles worldwide. “For Ukraine, the ongoing Russian aggression is a war for survival,” said Rehka. He noted that NATO’s commitment to supporting Ukraine aligns with the core principles of the Alliance—defending sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rehka further highlighted how the Russian threat has spurred national defense reforms in the Czech Republic. “We have revised our national strategies and defense plans… accelerated the modernization of our armed forces, recognizing the need for state-of-the-art capabilities.” In line with NATO’s defense spending goals, the Czech Republic has committed to allocating at least 2% of its GDP to defense.

In the first session of the conference, Allied military leaders discussed the establishment of a new NATO Security Assistance and Training command for Ukraine. This initiative, aimed at overseeing the training of Ukrainian armed forces, marks a strategic shift in NATO’s long-term support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Admiral Bauer reflected on the growing interoperability between NATO and Ukraine. “Every day, we grow more and more interoperable. Until one day, we will stand side by side under the NATO banner,” he said. Bauer affirmed NATO’s unrelenting support for Ukraine, asserting that this is not just about Ukraine’s survival but about NATO’s collective identity and principles. “Ukraine deserves our unrelenting support. Not only because of who they are as a people. But also because of who we are, as NATO.”

25 years in NATO

Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic and former Chair of the Military Committee, celebrated the significance of hosting the conference in Prague during the Czech Republic’s 25th anniversary of joining NATO.

“It is an honor for the Czech Republic to host for the first time a Military Committee Conference as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of joining NATO,” Pavel said. The timing also coincides with NATO’s 75th anniversary, a significant milestone for the world’s most enduring military alliance.

Pavel emphasized NATO’s success in creating a zone of “stability, security, and prosperity,” while also acknowledging that continuous improvement is necessary. “NATO proved to be truly the most successful and long-lasting military alliance in the world… However, it proved to be very successful in taking on board countries like the Czech Republic,” Pavel remarked, reflecting on his years within the NATO structures.