NATO plans to reduce the time needed to deploy troops to Eastern Europe

NATO accelerates: time for deployment of troops to Russian borders will be reduced from 45 days to 3

NATO is preparing revolutionary changes in logistics to avoid losing precious weeks in the event of Russian aggression.

According to current plans, in the event of an attack on the Baltic states or Poland, it would take up to 45 days for the Alliance to deploy 300,000 troops and thousands of pieces of equipment. This is the time that experts estimate Russia could use to gain a foothold in the occupied territory. The Financial Times writes that such a pace is unacceptable in modern warfare.

The goal is 3 days instead of 45

NATO has officially approved a plan to reduce the time limit to 72 hours. To do this:

• modernise roads and railways from the North Sea to the border with Russia;
• create advanced ammunition and fuel depots in Poland, the Baltic States and Romania;
• completely remove customs and bureaucratic barriers to military transport.

Europe is learning to live without the American umbrella«

As the United States gradually withdraws some troops from Eastern Europe (including Romania), European leaders understand that it is time to take responsibility. The UK, France and Germany are already discussing a 5-10 year plan to replace US brigades with their own forces.

What has already been done in 2024-2025

• Germany-Netherlands-Poland agreement on military «rapid response corridor» signed»
• The largest exercise Steadfast Defender-2024 was held with the participation of 90 thousand military personnel
• Number of combat groups on the eastern flank increased from 4 to 8
• Total NATO Rapid Reaction Force size increased tenfold since 2022

How much will it cost

By 2028, €100 billion will be needed for new infrastructure. Without this investment, even the most advanced tanks and aircraft will remain on paper.

Moscow's reaction

The Kremlin has already called NATO's plans a «provocation» and a «violation of the balance of power». In response, Russia continues to build up its troops near the borders of Ukraine and the Baltic states.