NATO defence ministers reach political agreement on new military concept for deterrence and defence of the Alliance
On 15 February, NATO defence ministers travelled to Brussels to agree on Alliance’s new military planning process that would ensure adequate deterrence and defence.
‘Alliance’s new defence planning policy guidelines are more in tune with operational planning and current threats. The new approach should significantly boost operational planning, strengthen Alliance’s capabilities and move NATO closer to necessary level of defence and deterrence,’ Defence Minister Ināra Mūrniece told her NATO colleagues.
Meeting between defence ministers also focused on steps for bringing defence industry to a new level by creating additional capacities for production of ammunition. It has been repeatedly stressed that because of war in Ukraine ammunition is being consumed in amounts multiple times exceeding the output of NATO member state defence industries, hence NATO will coordinate a programme for increase of capacity available in defence industry.
‘NATO is focused on Alliance’s collective defence more than ever. As we can see, we need to further reinforce our defence industry and ammunition production to be able to constantly supply Ukraine and continue to provide uninterrupted support to the country. In the current security environment, we must switch to wartime economy and invest in resilience of supply chains against external threats. Latvia is implementing national programme for strengthening and development of defence industry because we are acutely aware that we need to have closer ties with our allies and partners,’ Minister Mūrniece emphasised.
Progress with regard to implementation of Madrid Summit decisions and transition to NATO Summit in Vilnius was also discussed during the meeting of NATO’s defence ministers.
Minister Mūrniece stressed that strong and credible deterrence and defence against all types of threats requires NATO to make progress towards Vilnius Summit and take new steps during the Summit. She praised Canada for its leadership as the framework nation of NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia, which will allow this NATO battalion-size force to upgrade to a brigade.
As reported earlier, Minister Mūrniece attended the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence in Brussels on 14-15 February. Her visit included bilateral consultations with German, Canadian, Spanish and Estonian colleagues, mostly focusing on collaborative efforts in strengthening regional security of the Baltics, further support to Ukraine, which continues to defend against Russia, and preparations for NATO Summit in Vilnius. Ināra Mūrniece also took part in the ninth meeting of Ukraine Defence Contact Group, the so-called Ramstein Group, which primarily focused on how partners and allies will ensure that Ukraine receives necessary lethal weapons as soon as possible.
Contact information
Roberts Skraučs
Head of the Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Tel.: 67335393
E-mail: roberts.skraucs@mod.gov.lv