'Once Sweden joins...': NATO claims ability to deploy 3.5 million soldiers if attacked

NATO has revealed its enhanced defence plans, demonstrating its resolve to swiftly respond to potential threats by deploying a formidable force of 300,000 soldiers within the first month of an attack on the alliance. As disclosed by Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, the total number of military personnel within NATO's ranks could surge to an astounding 3.5 million individuals.

Addressing the urgency of collective defence, Bauer emphasised the critical need for preparedness, highlighting that adversaries might be the ones plotting an attack. He stressed the necessity of having a substantial number of soldiers readily available for the first 30 days in the event of an emergency.

"If we are talking about collective defence, you do not have the time to prepare for an attack if the attack happens. And it is not us planning the attack, it is the opponent planning the attack. If they attack, you have to be ready. Therefore, we need more soldiers at high readiness … We are talking, in NATO as a whole if Finland and Sweden have joined, of about 3.5 million soldiers in the alliance. So the 300,000 is the number … that we foresee at high readiness available for basically the first 30 days if it is necessary," Bauer conveyed during a press conference alongside Norwegian Chief of Defence, Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen.

Commitment to reinforced defence plans

In July, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had already confirmed that the alliance had approved new defence plans during the Vilnius summit. These plans involve maintaining a high readiness force of 300,000 soldiers, and member states committing to investing at least 2% of their gross domestic product annually in defence.

Annual military committee conference

The announcements followed the annual Military Committee Conference held in Oslo from September 15 to 17, 2023. The conference, hosted at the invitation of General Eirik Kristoffersen, centered on the implementation of decisions made at the Vilnius Summit, aimed at fortifying the alliance's deterrence and defence posture.

"Once Sweden joins, we will have a band of 3.5 million brothers and sisters in uniform who protect our great Alliance. They see together what they cannot see alone. They do together what they cannot do alone. The military profession brings immense opportunities. But it also requires immense sacrifices," Bauer stated, underlining the unity and collective strength of the alliance.

The conference also delved into concerns about production capacity shortages, resulting in extended delivery times and rising equipment and ammunition prices. Bauer expressed apprehension that increased defence spending might not translate into heightened security if these issues persist.

"Right now, we are paying more and more for exactly the same… and that means that we cannot make sure that the increased defence spending actually leads to more security. Our liberal economies are not apt at creating the prioritisation that is so desperately needed right now. Long-term stability needs to prevail over short-term profits," stressed Bauer during his press remarks.

During the conference, the NATO Chiefs of Defence confirmed an extension of Bauer's tenure as Chair of the NATO Military Committee for an additional six months. They also elected Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the Italian Chief of Defence, as his successor, who will assume the role for 2.5 years.