NATO's eastern allies want increased naval, air presence
The nine member countries on NATO's eastern flank want an 'increased presence' by the alliance in their region, Polish president Andrzej Duda said after a group meeting in Warsaw on 8 June.
The so-called 'Bucharest Nine' countries, which first held talks in Romania in 2015, also includes Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.
The group believes it is necessary to supplement NATO's current ground forces 'with aerial and naval components' to 'achieve the full spectrum,' Duda told reporters alongside his Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis.
The B9 presidents adopted a joint statement in which they called on the US-led alliance to discuss the increased presence at next month's NATO summit in Brussels.
They also requested that NATO deliver a response to what the West calls Russian 'hybrid warfare' techniques, which include military, financial and political manipulation backed by computer hacking and propaganda.
NATO beefed up its defences in central and eastern Europe in response to growing fears about Russia, following Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
'The 2018 NATO summit should further strengthen the Alliance's unity and, in the spirit of the 360-degree approach, deliver a comprehensive response to the current security challenges, including against the hybrid threats the allies are confronted with,' the B9 statement said.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
