NATO to significantly increase forces on high alert to over 300,000 from 40,000 amid Russia threat

June 27, 2022

NATO will significantly increase the number of forces on high alert to over 300,000 from 40,000 as part of the biggest overhaul of the alliance's defences since the Cold War.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also confirmed that allies will expand troop deployments in NATO countries that sit closest to Russia.

The decisions will be set out at a landmark summit of the 30-member NATO alliance this week in Madrid, which is taking place in the shadow of Russia's war in Ukraine.

"We will transform the NATO response force and increase the number of our high readiness forces to well over 300,000," Mr Stoltenberg said.

The NATO Response Force is currently around 40,000 soldiers, sailors and air personnel.

Sky News revealed last week that it would be significantly increased, with two military sources saying that it would be six times the size.

The name is also set to be changed to the Allied Reaction Force, Sky News understands.

Rate this item
(0 votes)

HOW TO LISTEN

103.5 & 105.3FM

Online

Mobile Apps

Smart Speaker