NATO Military Committee holds virtual meeting
The NATO Military Committee convened on 14 May against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The committee received an update on the ongoing NATO Mission Iraq, which has been reduced as a response to the pandemic although the alliance continues to support Iraqi security forces.
Air Chief Marshal Peach, chairman of the NATO Military Committee, said: ‘When the conditions permit, and working with the government of Iraq, we will resume our training efforts as well as increase our activities on the ground.’
A review of NATO commitments in Afghanistan was on the agenda particularly as a result of recent terror attacks in Kabul and Nangarhar.
Despite this, Peach said ‘we have seen, with guarded optimism some encouraging signs in the intra-Afghan negotiations that could lead to a political solution for the people of Afghanistan’.
The final session of the virtual meeting addressed the NATO response to coronavirus; EU Military Committee General Claudio Graziano briefed attendees on resilience and potential lessons to be learned.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
-
![How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces]()
How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces
Saab has outlined how it is using artificial intelligence to make training more like electronic gaming, while the UK’s Power Size Technologies is applying the same technology to better evaluate and design vehicle capability, moving AI-enabled innovation further upstream from the frontline.
-
![From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)]()
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
