NATO Chiefs of Defence future proof the Alliance’s Military might
The thirty Allied Chiefs of Defence held their first Military Committee meeting of 2021 in a hybrid virtual/in person format. The meeting allowed the Military Committee to align military work priorities and discuss all current operations, missions and activities with contributing NATO partners. The Military Committee’s advice and guidance will play a vital part of the North Atlantic Council’s decision-making ahead of next month’s Defence Ministers meeting.
Joined for their first session by the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, the Military Committee received an update on NATO’s 2030 initiative.
During his meeting with the Military Committee, the NATO Secretary General stressed, “Our armed forces have ensured that this health crisis has not become a security crisis, but COVID-19 has not made other challenges go away. Our democracy, our values, and the rules-based order are being challenged. So we must remain fit to face any challenge the future may bring.”
The Chiefs of Defence, accompanied by the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, General Claudio Graziano, welcomed the interoperability amongst Allies and Partners and praised troops support to the civilian response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Alliance has maintained credible deterrence and defence throughout the heath crisis, meeting its operational commitments, with the key support of Allied medical military officers.
The Chiefs of Defence then turned their attention to the plans and policies that will sharpen the Alliance’s military edge for the future. Following briefings from both Strategic Commanders, the Military Committee will now pass their agreed advice to NATO’s political leadership.
Concluding the meetings, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chairman of the Military Committee stated, “The unity of spirit and determination that was represented in today’s meeting demonstrates that the bonds forged between Allies over the last seventy years are still strong. Solidarity, unity, and cohesion remain the cornerstones of our Alliance”