US EditionNATO Wants European Members to Expand Air Defenses Fivefold
- On June 3, 2025, NATO called on its European members to substantially expand their ground-based air defense forces, aiming to multiply current capacities by five times to better address potential Russian threats.
- This call follows decades of reduced air-defense systems and recent heightened tensions after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- NATO defense ministers planned to discuss the expansion at a meeting in Brussels on June 5, aiming to set collective but tailored national targets without fixed timelines.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that while the situation does not amount to war, it cannot be considered peaceful either, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong deterrence and full preparedness.
- The initiative seeks to close critical air-defense gaps across Europe, signaling a broader shift toward enhanced deterrence and military preparedness.
35 Articles
35 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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