Seven NATO states to create a new rapid reaction force

According to the DailyMail, Britain is to spearhead a 10,000-strong NATO joint expeditionary force, aimed at bolstering the West’s capabilities in response to Russia’s recent actions in Ukraine. Other countries involved at the present time include Denmark, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Norway and the Netherlands. Canada has also expressed an interest in taking part.

Officials have confided to the FinancialTimes that the aim is to create a fully functioning, division-sized force for rapid deployment and regular, frequent exercises, incorporating air and specialist naval units as well as ground troops.

In an interview with the SundayTimes, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, NATO’s deputy supreme commander shared his beliefs that a strengthened NATO rapid reaction force would show Vladimir Putin that Russia would be plunged into a “decisive conflict” if it attacked a member of the alliance.

Expectations are that British prime minister David Cameron will announce the plans for the force during the NATO summit on September 4-5 in Newport, Wales.