NATO draws up land defense strategy to counter potential large-scale Russian attack
NATO emphasized that the plan’s goal is not to occupy Russia (Photo: REUTERS/Andreea Campeanu)
NATO has developed a defense plan designed to counter Russian missile and drone strikes, deter ground offensives, and disrupt Moscow's military logistics in the event of a large-scale Russian attack on alliance territory, German newspaper Bild reported on August 17, citing NATO’s Land Warfighting Concept.
Drafted under the direction of U.S. Army Major Andrew Pingray, the document defines the alliance’s primary objectives as halting any Russian offensive and significantly weakening Moscow’s military capabilities.
Under this scenario, an attack on the Baltic states would begin with Russian missile and drone strikes followed by a ground offensive using armored vehicles.
The defensive plan entails neutralizing the missile threat first by deploying fighter jets, missiles, and drones to strike Russian launch platforms.
One of the priority targets will be Kaliningrad Oblast, where Moscow has concentrated a significant number of missile and air defense systems.
NATO would then establish an "autonomous zone" along the borders with Russia and Belarus, relying on drones and robotic transport systems instead of permanently deploying alliance troops.
Should Russian troops advance further, alliance forces would deploy these unmanned systems within the autonomous zone to contain and halt the offensive.
The next phase entails striking Russian military infrastructure. Potential targets include airfields, military-industrial facilities, bridges, and rail hubs used to transport troops and equipment.
These strikes aim to disrupt supply lines to Russian troops and reduce Moscow's ability to launch new offensives.
The plan also includes the possibility of leveraging Russians opposed to Vladimir Putin's regime. Additionally, NATO is considering the contingency of creating an “air bridge” to deliver drones and robotic systems into Russian territory for use against military targets.
NATO emphasized that its goal is not to occupy Russia, but rather to halt the advance and push Russian forces back to their national borders.
The alliance makes no attempt to conceal these plans, operating on the logic that transparency regarding a potential response strengthens deterrence and forces Russia to recognize the consequences of an attack.
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