Allies adopted “the most comprehensive defence plans since the end of the Cold War,” Mr Stoltenberg said. Designed to counter the Alliance’s two main threats – Russia and terrorism – the new regional plans provide for 300,000 troops at high readiness, including substantial air and naval combat power. Allies also approved a new Defence Production Action Plan to accelerate joint procurement, boost production capacity and enhance Allies’ interoperability.
To meet their defence needs, Allies made an enduring commitment to invest a minimum of 2% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in defence. European Allies and Canada recorded an 8.3% real terms increase in their defence budgets in 2023, the largest increase in decades. Eleven Allies meet or exceed the benchmark this year, and this number is expected to grow substantially in 2024.
Allies also discussed the challenges that a “coercive” China poses to Euro-Atlantic security and values. “China is not our adversary, and we should continue to engage,” the Secretary General said, while stressing that “Beijing’s increasing assertiveness affects our security” and challenges the rules-based international order. On Wednesday, Allies will meet the leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, as well as the European Union.
/Argumentum.al
