NATO plans to enhance the defence of its eastern border by creating a new structure to enable quick troop deployment in Latvia and Estonia if a conflict with Russia arises. Currently, NATO forces in the Baltic nations and northern Poland operate under a single command in Szczecin, Poland. This change highlights the importance of the Baltics, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
By assigning a second corps to the region, NATO aims to quickly mobilize a significant number of troops, countering the limited strategic depth of the area. An army corps usually commands around 40,000 to 60,000 troops but operates with a minimal structure during peacetime, preparing for rapid deployments.
Germany and the Netherlands will assign the German-Netherlands Corps to assist Latvia and Estonia, with both countries cooperating with NATO on this effort. European allies are taking more responsibility for their security, particularly in light of criticism from U. S. President Donald Trump regarding European support for military efforts and troop reductions in Germany.
The completion of this arrangement depends on building necessary support troops, such as those for artillery and air defence. The timeline for implementation is unclear, and NATO has warned of a growing threat from Russia, which denies any aggressive plans.
With information from Reuters
