NATO to deploy 49 more combat brigades due to threat from Russia

6 October, 2024 A Montenegrin soldier during a NATO exercise. Photo credits: NATO NATO plans to deploy 49 more combat brigades to prevent Russian aggression in Europe.

Welt am Sonntag reported on this, referring to the not-yet-published plans that became known to journalists. NATO plans to increase its forces by 250,000 troops. According to documents from the German Ministry of Defense, in the spring of 2024, NATO countries agreed on the "minimum necessary capabilities" to defend against possible Russian aggression.

U.S. General Christopher Cavoli and French Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO Commanders-in-Chief, defined the new requirements.

Christopher Cavoli. Photo credits: CHIP SOMODEVILLA/GETTY IMAGES

Previously, having 82 combat brigades was considered sufficient, but now the Alliance plans to increase that number to 131.

Each brigade will consist of about 5,000 soldiers. It is also planned to increase the number of combat corps from 6 to 15 and the number of division headquarters from 24 to 38. In addition to increasing the number of troops, NATO plans to build up its weapons stockpile, including air defense systems, ammunition, precision weapons, and vehicles.

In particular, the number of air defense systems is to increase from 293 to 1467, including systems such as Patriot, Iris-T SLM, and Skyranger.

Canadian military personnel during NATO exercises.

2023.

Photo credits: Combat Camera

The number of helicopters will also be increased from 90 to 104 units.

These requirements apply to all 32 NATO member states, and each country's obligations will depend on its economic capacity and population.