NATO general says Baltic states are now sufficiently protected

The Baltic states are now sufficiently protected because NATO has adopted a clear strategy and action plans, Lieutenant General John Mead, deputy commander of NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, told the LETA news agency, LSM reported.

Mead said the alliance had developed new regional plans, revised earlier ones and aligned them with national-level planning. He described this as one of the strongest aspects of NATO’s Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area concept.

“The Baltic states are much better protected now that we have a clear strategy and clear action plans,” Mead said.

He said NATO was developing military capabilities and ways to defend every metre of territory jointly, while also carrying out continuous surveillance and deterrence measures.

Mead cited the Baltic Sentry operation as one example of this approach. The operation was launched in response to new threats and involves an important role for the Baltic states. According to the general, there have been no further incidents involving the cutting of underwater cables since the operation began.

He also pointed to Eastern Sentry, an operation to protect the alliance’s airspace. NATO was taking ambitious steps to address capability gaps, integrate its forces and conduct joint training, Mead said.

Latvia faces lack of geographical depth

Mead said NATO was operating amid a revolution in armed forces and needed to continue adapting while maintaining deterrence.

He said the Baltic region did not need more foreign troops stationed there, but regular military manoeuvres were necessary.

For Latvia, the main challenge was its lack of geographical depth, Mead said.