NATO has only 5% of required air defences to protect central and eastern Europe – FT
30 May 2024 17:05
NATO countries have a significant deficit of air defence systems to protect the Alliance’s eastern flank – the territories in central and eastern Europe. The available resources are less than 5% of the required capacity to withstand a full-scale attack. This is stated in an article by the Financial Times, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
Thus, a senior NATO official admitted that defence against missiles and air strikes was a key element of the defence plan for the region, but now the Alliance does not have the proper capabilities. And some European leaders believe that Russia may attempt to attack a NATO member state before the end of the decade.
Russia’s intensive use of a variety of missiles and drones in Ukraine has underscored NATO’s urgent need to increase air defence spending after years of cuts to military budgets. One diplomat called air defence “one of the biggest gaps” in the Alliance.
The inability of European NATO members to supply more air defence systems to Ukraine has demonstrated the limited stocks on the continent, the newspaper writes. This has prompted a number of initiatives to find long-term solutions, including the German-led “Sky Shield” and a French counterproposal. Poland and Greece have called on the EU to develop a pan-European air defence system.
Despite the challenges, NATO is confident that its ability to deter Russia remains strong. Strengthening European defence will be a key topic at the July summit of leaders in Washington.
Meanwhile, NATO is discussing the possibility of sending military instructors to Ukraine. But there will be no invitation to join the Alliance for Ukraine this year. According to The Telegraph, Zelenskyy was asked not to even mention it.
