NATO pushes European members to increase ground-based air defenses

NATO is urging its European member states to increase ground-based air defense capabilities fivefold to counter Russian aggression. Discussions on this plan will be held at a closed meeting of defense ministers in Brussels Thursday. The individual contributions to this collective goal will vary among nations.

Ministers are also expected to approve major commitments to boost arms stockpiles, aiming to reduce dependence on US defense systems. NATO seeks to achieve a defense spending goal of 5% of economic output.

Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for increased readiness, stating, “We are not at war, but we are not at peace either.” NATO needs to enhance air defense systems to protect against advanced threats like drones and missiles.