NATO will strengthen the defense of its eastern flank through a new structure that will allow for the rapid deployment of troops to Latvia and Estonia in the event of a war with Russia, Reuters reports, citing two sources familiar with the situation, according to UNN.
Details
Currently, NATO forces in all three Baltic states, as well as in northern Poland, are under the command of a single multinational headquarters in the Polish city of Szczecin. The planned change highlights the strategic importance of the Baltic countries, which have been in the spotlight since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the publication points out.
"Assigning a second corps to the region will allow NATO to move troops quickly," as one military official put it, "addressing the problem of the region's limited strategic depth and vulnerability."
In a state of full combat readiness, an army corps typically commands three divisions, or between 40,000 and 60,000 troops. In peacetime, there is usually a minimal command structure with specialized units such as artillery, air defense, and medics, allowing for the rapid deployment of troops as needed.
"Germany and the Netherlands, in coordination with NATO, have reached an agreement to transfer the German-Netherlands Corps, based in the German city of Münster, to protect Latvia and Estonia," military sources told Reuters on Tuesday.
European allies are reportedly taking more responsibility for their own security amid sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump, who recently accused European NATO members of insufficient support in the war with Iran and announced Washington's withdrawal of 5,000 American troops from Germany.
Trump administration to reduce forces available to NATO for Europe - Reuters20.05.26, 08:59
According to sources, the agreement overcame the final hurdle, which was a shortage of corps troops, hinting at the critical capabilities any corps needs in areas such as long-range artillery, air defense, as well as engineering and medical units.
According to sources, Germany and the Netherlands, together with other partners, will now build up these forces.
It is not yet clear when the decision will take effect or how many troops will be under the command of the new headquarters unit in the event of a conflict.
The Dutch Ministry of Defense stated that the distribution of the corps' troops is "currently being finalized" and declined to provide details. The German Ministry of Defense declined to comment, citing coordination efforts with NATO.
NATO stated it would respond later.
NATO officials have warned for years about the growing threat from Russia, which they say could potentially launch a large-scale offensive against allied territory as early as 2029. Moscow denies aggressive intentions and accuses the alliance of fueling tensions by expanding into neighboring territories.
German Defense Minister: “In 2029, Russia will be able to attack a NATO country”12.06.24, 17:31