'Once Sweden joins...': NATO claims ability to deploy 3.5 million soldiers if attacked

NATO has revealed its enhanced defence plans, demonstrating its resolve to swiftly respond to potential threats by deploying a formidable force of 300,000 soldiers within first month of an attack on alliance. As disclosed by Chair of NATO Military Committee, miral Rob Bauer, total number of military personnel within NATO's ranks could surge to an astounding 3.5 million individuals.

dressing urgency of collective defence, Bauer emphasised critical need for preparedness, highlighting that versaries might be ones plotting an attack. He stressed necessity of having a substantial number of soldiers reily available for first 30 days in event of an emergency.

"If we are talking about collective defence, you do not have time to prepare for an attack if attack happens. And it is not us planning attack, it is opponent planning attack. If y attack, you have to be rey. refore, we need more soldiers at high reiness … We are talking, in NATO as a whole if Finland and Sweden have joined, of about 3.5 million soldiers in alliance. So 300,000 is number … that we foresee at high reiness available for basically first 30 days if it is necessary," Bauer conveyed during a press conference alongside Norwegian Chief of Defence, Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen.

Commitment to reinforced defence plans

In July, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg h alrey confirmed that alliance h approved new defence plans during Vilnius summit. se plans involve maintaining a high reiness force of 300,000 soldiers, and member states committing to investing at least 2% of ir gross domestic product annually in defence.

Annual military committee conference

announcements followed annual Military Committee Conference held in Oslo from September 15 to 17, 2023. conference, hosted at invitation of General Eirik Kristoffersen, centered on implementation of decisions me at Vilnius Summit, aimed at fortifying alliance's deterrence and defence posture.

"Once Sweden joins, we will have a band of 3.5 million brors and sisters in uniform who protect our great Alliance. y see toger what y cannot see alone. y do toger what y cannot do alone. military profession brings immense opportunities. But it also requires immense sacrifices," Bauer stated, underlining unity and collective strength of alliance.

conference also delved into concerns about production capacity shortages, resulting in extended delivery times and rising equipment and ammunition prices. Bauer expressed apprehension that increased defence spending might not translate into heightened security if se issues persist.

"Right now, we are paying more and more for exactly same… and that means that we cannot make sure that increased defence spending actually les to more security. Our liberal economies are not apt at creating prioritisation that is so desperately needed right now. Long-term stability needs to prevail over short-term profits," stressed Bauer during his press remarks.

During conference, NATO Chiefs of Defence confirmed an extension of Bauer's tenure as Chair of NATO Military Committee for an ditional six months. y also elected miral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Italian Chief of Defence, as his successor, who will assume role for 2.5 years.