This was announced by the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, during a discussion at the European Policy Centre.
Bauer highlighted the necessity for NATO countries to in crease investments in air defense systems and long-range capabilities in response to threats from russia. He expressed satisfaction that NATO is addressing the importance of long-range strike capabilities.
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"In the past, the idea was that we are a defensive alliance, so we would sit and wait until we were attacked. When the attack came, we would intercept the 'arrows' (referring to missiles) headed our way. However, it makes more sense not only to intercept but also to strike the 'archer' located in russia if russia attacks us," Bauer explained.
He stressed that NATO countries must be prepared to destroy the weapon systems used to target members of the Alliance.
"Of course, as a defensive alliance, we will have to endure the first hit," he clarified.
It is worth noting that russian kamikaze drones and missiles used to attack Ukrainian territory have already violated NATO airspace.
Recently, russian President Vladimir putin threatened that russia could strike military facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. This followed the decision by these countries to allow Ukraine to target russian territory using missiles supplied by them.
However, Bauer remarked that russia no longer poses the same threat to NATO as it did in February 2022, as the quality of its military forces has significantly deteriorated over more than two years of full-scale war.
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