NATO Foreign Ministers discuss boosting cooperation with EU, other partners 14 May 2015. Allies must build closer cooperation with partners and organisations like the European Union, to better address the security challenges to the east and south, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday (14 May 2015). The challenges we all face demand a comprehensive response, so all of us need to work even closer together, he said at the end of a two-day meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Antalya, Turkey. The Foreign Ministers were joined by the EU s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to discuss the long-term security implications of a more assertive and unpredictable Russia, as well as the challenges posed by extremism and violence in the Middle East and North Africa. They discussed how NATO and the EU could better cooperate in countering hybrid threats, which combine conventional attacks with subversion, cyber attacks, deception and disinformation. Both Federica Mogherini and I have decided to task our teams to intensify NATO-EU cooperation in countering hybrid warfare, the Secretary General said. We will ensure that the strategies we are developing are complimentary, so that we can work together quickly and effectively in case of a hybrid threat against our members, he added.
Mr. Stoltenberg said that NATO must continue to adapt to ensure that it is ready for any challenge. He stressed that the Alliance is already implementing the biggest reinforcement of its collective security since the end of the Cold War, which includes boosting the size and speed of the NATO Response Force with a high readiness Spearhead Force at its core. We are also speeding up our decision-making, sharpening up our intelligence sharing and strengthening our cyber defence, said the Secretary General. The ministers also discussed how to further develop cooperation with partners Finland and Sweden. NATO is looking at how it can hold more consultations and share more information about developments in the Baltic Sea region and beyond. We will also look at how we can conduct more joint exercises, said Mr. Stoltenberg.
Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Foreign Affairs Ministers Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Today, we will discuss the evolving security challenges in our eastern and southern neighbourhoods. To the east, a more assertive Russia has used force to change borders and intimidate neighbours. To the south, turmoil and violent extremism have reached a level unprecedented in modern times. In this more dangerous security environment, NATO will continue to protect and defend each Ally against any threat. That is why we are adapting our Alliance to a new environment. And implementing the greatest reinforcement of our collective defence since the end of the Cold War. We are increasing the presence of our forces in the eastern part of the Alliance. We are significantly expanding the size of the NATO Response Force. And we are developing a Spearhead Force with lead elements ready to deploy within as little as 48 hours. And we are enhancing our ability to deter and prevent hybrid threats. At the same time, we are helping to make our neighbours more resilient. Because if they are more stable, we are more secure. Today, we will discuss the long-term strategic implications of the challenges we face. And how NATO can work together, with our partners and with the European Union, to meet them. This is an important stepping stone towards our NATO Summit in Warsaw next year. With that, let me now end this public part of the meeting. And thank the representatives of the media and then we will, in just a few minutes, start the next part of our session this morning.
Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the closing press conference following the meetings of NATO Foreign Ministers in Antalya, Turkey Good afternoon, During our meeting today we have focused on the current challenges that NATO is facing. Both to the east and to the south. And we discussed how we can work together with our partners, the organizations such as the European Union, to meet these challenges. And we looked to the future. To pave the way for our summit in Warsaw next year. This is a crucial time for Euro-Atlantic security. Our security environment has changed. And we have to prepare that this is going to be long-lasting change in our security environment. And we see to the east more assertive Russia being responsible for aggressive actions in Ukraine. And to the south we see turmoil and extremism. So, when the world has changed, NATO has to adapt to a new security environment. To make sure that we are ready to defend and protect all Allies against any threat. And that we are able to, also in the future, to keep our democratic, open societies safety. We are already implementing the biggest reinforcement of our collective defence since the end of the Cold War. Boosting the size of the NATO Response Force. And also establishing a high readiness Spearhead Force as the centerpiece of the enhanced NATO Response Force. So I welcome the decision by Turkey today to be a lead nation for the Spearhead Force along with six of the Allies who will take turns over the years to come. At the same time, we are speeding up our decision-making. Sharpening up intelligence sharing. And strengthening our cyber defence. Because hybrid warfare combines different types of threats, including conventional, subversion, and cyber. We also face sophisticated disinformation and radicalization campaigns. Our best weapon against disinformation is information. Based on our values of democracy, freedom of speech and open societies. So I welcome that today, the United Kingdom announced that it is launching a trust fund to support our strategic communications. The United Kingdom has also set up a new NATO trust fund for Defence Capacity Building. Turkey has also announced that it will contribute to this new trust fund. This is an excellent initiative. To support our partners as they strengthen their defences. Because if our neighbours are more stable, we are more secure. So we must do more for our neighbours. And with our neighbours. Today, we also discussed how we can further develop our cooperation with our close partners Finland and Sweden. We have agreed to look at ways to hold more
consultations and to share more information about what is happening in the Baltic Sea region and beyond. So that we all have the fullest possible picture. We will also look at how we can conduct more exercises together with Finland and Sweden. The challenges we all face demand a comprehensive response. So all of us need to work even closer together. To protect our citizens and defend our democratic values. Therefore, both High Representative Federica Mogherini and I have decided to ask our teams to intensify NATO-EU cooperation in countering hybrid warfare. We will ensure that the strategies we are developing are complementary. So that we can work together quickly and effectively in the case of a hybrid threat against any of our members. The overall goal will be to ensure that, in the event of a hybrid threat, there is clarity on who does what and when. So, with greater NATO readiness, more support to our neighbours, and enhanced cooperation with the European Union, we can help stabilize our neighbours to the East and to the South. With that, I ll be happy to take your questions.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Media Backgrounder A new chapter in NATO-Afghanistan relations from 2015 May 2015 NATO s engagement in Afghanistan from 2015 consists of three inter-related components: a NATO-led Resolute Support mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces; a contribution to the broad effort of financial sustainment of Afghan security forces; and a strengthened NATO-Afghanistan Enduring Partnership. Resolute Support Mission Resolute Support is a NATO-led, non combat mission. It was launched on 1 January 2015, following the conclusion of the previous NATO-led ISAF mission, and the assumption of full security responsibility by the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF). It is designed to help the Afghan security forces develop the necessary capacity to continue defending the country and protecting the population in a sustainable manner. It carries out training, advice and assistance activities at the security ministries and national institutional levels and at the higher levels of the Army and Police. This new mission has several functions. These include, amongst others: Supporting planning, programming and budgeting; Assuring transparency, accountability and oversight; Supporting the adherence to the principles of rule of law and good governance; Supporting the establishment and sustainment of processes such as force generation, recruiting, training, managing and development of personnel. Resolute Support currently has approximately 12,000 personnel from NATO Allies and partner nations. It operates with one hub (Kabul/Bagram) and four spokes (Mazar-e-Sharif in the north, Herat in the west, Kandahar in the south, and Laghman in the east). Financial sustainment of the Afghan security forces NATO Allies and partner nations continue to play their part in supporting the financial sustainment of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. This effort is carried out through the NATO-Afghan National Army (ANA) Trust Fund. The ANA Trust Fund is one of three funding streams used by the International Community to channel its financial support to Afghanistan s security forces and institutions. The other two are the Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA), administered by the United Nations Development Programme, and the United States Afghanistan Security Forces Fund (ASFF). LOTFA is used to pay the salaries of police and justice personnel and to build the capacity of the Ministry of the Interior. The ASFF is subject to a US-Afghan bilateral agreement and pays for equipping and running Afghanistan s security forces. Initially established in 2007, and as agreed at the 2012 NATO Summit in Chicago, the ANA Trust Fund has been adapted to make it more flexible, transparent, accountable and cost effective, and to include measures against corruption. These notably stipulate that The adapted ANA Trust Fund will continue to focus its activities on the Afghan National Army primarily, while retaining the existing flexibility to provide support to other elements of the ANDSF as necessary. Funds will be allocated against the Afghan security forces requirements plan, which the Afghan authorities will develop. The United States will continue to manage the Fund until 2017; any extension of this mandate after 2017 will be subject to future decisions. The use of the adapted ANA Trust Fund will be regulated by a yearly Implementation Plan which will include estimated costs, timelines and performance objectives. The management and implementation of the adapted Afghanistan National Army (ANA) Trust Fund will be subject to annual audit. An Afghanistan National Army (ANA) Trust Fund Board has been constituted to monitor the ANA Trust Fund and to review its cost effectiveness, financial integrity and accountability. The Board is composed of national representatives of donor nations and the Trust Fund manager. The ANA Trust Fund Board had its first inaugural meeting in Brussels on 1 September 2014. Contributions to the NATO Afghan National Army Trust Fund to date exceed 1 billion USD. In addition, NATO Allies and partner nations have confirmed funding pledges until the end of 2017 of around 450 million USD per year. The lead responsibility for the financial sustainment of the Afghan National Security Forces rests with the Afghan government. At the Chicago Summit, the Afghan authorities agreed to provide at least 500 million Euros per year at the start, with their contribution increasing steadily over time. The Afghan authorities have committed to undertake full financial responsibility for the annual sustainment of their security forces no later than 2024.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Media Backgrounder NATO-Afghanistan Enduring Partnership At the NATO Summit in Wales in 2014, Afghanistan, NATO and Resolute Support operational partners agreed to strengthen the Enduring Partnership, by enhancing practical cooperation, which includes building the capacity of Afghan security institutions, and by initiating a political dialogue and regular consultations on a range of topics of mutual interest. On 2 December 2014 President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah met with Foreign Ministers from NATO and Resolute Support operational partners and agreed with them to set up a senior level task force to take the Enduring Partnership forward. At the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Antalya (Turkey) on 13 May 2015, ministers will approve guidelines and principles for the enhancement of the Enduring Partnership with Afghanistan. They will initiate further work which anticipates the establishment of a civilian-led temporary presence in Afghanistan after the conclusion of the Resolute Support mission. This would be a light presence to continue building capacities and consolidate the institutional development of the Afghan Security Institutions. This recognises the strategic importance of NATO s engagement in Afghanistan and further underscores the commitment to global partnerships outlined in the 2010 NATO Strategic Concept. The Declaration on an Enduring Partnership was signed at the NATO Lisbon Summit in 2010, by NATO and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The Enduring Partnership provides a framework for long term political consultations and practical cooperation between NATO and Afghanistan from 2015. The Enduring Partnership includes a series of agreed programmes and cooperation activities made available to Afghanistan. Many of these programmes are capacity building efforts, including professional military education programmes like NATO s Building Integrity (BI) programme and the Defence Education Enhancement Programme. BI more specifically helps provide Afghanistan practical tools to strengthen integrity, transparency and accountability, and reduce the risk of corruption in defence and security sectors. Other areas of practical cooperation include supporting the process to normalise the aviation sector; civil emergency planning and disaster preparedness and continued public diplomacy efforts. Other areas for cooperation may be added in the future. End of ISAF The end of 2014 marked the completion of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission. ISAF was established in 2001, at the request of the Afghan authorities and as mandated by the United Nations Security Council. Its task was to help the Afghan authorities provide security and develop new national security forces, so that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists. Today, Afghanistan is no longer a refuge for terrorism. Over 350,000 Afghan National Defence and Security Forces are exercising full security responsibility across Afghanistan as agreed with the Afghan authorities at the NATO Chicago Summit in 2012 and reaffirmed at the NATO Summit in Wales in 2014. Afghanistan still faces many challenges, including security challenges. As agreed with the Afghan authorities, NATO remains committed to Afghanistan after 2014. Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) - Press & Media Section Media Operations Centre (MOC) Tel.: +32(0)2 707 1010/1002 E-mail: mailbox.moc@hq.nato.int www.nato.int 0846-15 NATO Graphics & Printing
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Fact Sheet May 2015 10 things you need to know about NATO 1. An International Security Hub. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is one of the world s major international institutions. It is a political and military Alliance of 28 member countries from Europe and North America. The Alliance takes all its decisions by consensus. Every member country, no matter how large or small, has an equal say in discussions and decisions. Member states are committed to individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These values are at the heart of NATO s transatlantic bond. 2. Collective Defence. The greatest responsibility of the Alliance is to protect and defend NATO s territory and populations. Article 5 of NATO s founding charter, the Washington Treaty, sets out the Alliance s collective defence commitment. It states that an attack on one shall be considered an attack on all. Article 5 has been invoked only once in NATO s history, on 12 September 2001, the day after the terrorist attacks on the United States. 3. NATO s Command Structure. NATO has a permanent, integrated military command structure where military and civilian personnel from all member states work together. The Alliance has two top-level Strategic Commands (Allied Command Operations, in Mons, Belgium, and Allied Command Transformation, in Norfolk, United States). Under these Strategic Commands are two Joint Force Commands (in Brunssum, Netherlands and in Naples, Italy) that can deploy and run military operations. The Command Structure also includes one air command (Ramstein, Germany), one land command (Izmir, Turkey) and one maritime command (Northwood, United Kingdom). 4. Standing forces. NATO has a number of standing forces on active duty that contribute to the Alliance s collective defence on a permanent basis. These include NATO s four standing maritime group fleets, which are ready to act when called upon. Additionally NATO has an integrated air defence system that links national air defence capabilities together and includes the Alliance s ballistic missile defence capabilities. The Alliance also conducts several air policing missions in which Allied fighter jets patrol the airspace of member nations who do not have fighter jets of their own. They defend NATO airspace over Albania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia on a 24/7 basis, 365 days per year. 5. Troops and Equipment. NATO benefits from being able to draw on the military expertise and capabilities of its members. This includes tanks, submarines or fighter jets. When the Alliance collectively decides to conduct an operation it asks Allies for troops and equipment to be placed under NATO command. While personnel serving in a NATO operation are often referred to collectively as NATO forces, they are strictly speaking multinational forces from NATO member countries, and in some cases, partner countries or other troop-contributing countries. The only military equipment that NATO owns itself is a fleet of AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control) aircraft. From 2018, NATO will also operate five Global Hawk surveillance drones. The procedure for requesting forces and equipment for an operation is often referred to as force generation. 6. NATO funding. Member countries make direct and indirect contributions to the costs of running NATO and implementing its policies and activities. The greatest part of these contributions is indirect and comes through the Allies participation in NATO-led operations. Member countries incur the costs involved whenever they volunteer forces to participate in a NATO operation. For example the cost for providing a fighter jet lies with the nation that makes it available. Direct contributions to NATO s common budgets are made by members in accordance with an agreed cost-sharing formula based on relative Gross National Income. These contributions finance the costs of NATO s integrated structures, collectively-owned equipment or installations. 7. Deterrence. In the five decades after World War II, the Alliance successfully prevented the Cold War from becoming hot. Under the security umbrella provided by NATO, the people of Europe, Canada, and the United States enjoyed the benefits of democratic choice, the rule of law and substantial economic growth. The Alliance s deterrence is based on an appropriate mix of nuclear and conventional capabilities, which remain a core element of NATO s strategy. This is matched by Allies commitment to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.
8. Crisis Management. The Alliance has frequently acted to uphold international peace and security. In 1995, NATO helped to end the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina and implemented the peace agreement. In 1999, NATO helped to stop mass killings and expulsions in Kosovo, and NATO troops continue to serve in Kosovo to this day under a United Nations mandate. Since 2003, NATO s UN-mandated presence has helped to ensure Afghanistan will never again become a safe haven for terrorists. In 2011, NATO enforced a UN mandate to protect the people of Libya. NATO ships are fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia and are conducting counter-terrorism patrols in the Mediterranean. On several occasions, NATO forces have also delivered relief supplies, including to the United States after Hurricane Katrina and to Pakistan after the October 2005 earthquake. 9. Cooperative Security. Threats like terrorism, piracy, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and cyber warfare know no borders. That is why NATO has developed a global network of security partners that includes over 40 countries from around the globe, as well as international organisations including the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the African Union. The Alliance s Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan includes 14 partner countries. NATO s operation in Kosovo includes 10 partners. Beside partners taking part in NATO missions and operations, the Alliance has developed a wide network of partnerships since the early 1990s, including the Euro- Atlantic Partnerships Council, the Mediterranean Dialogue, the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, and many partners across the globe, including Australia, Japan and South Korea. 10. The Open Door. Any European state which can contribute to the security and principles of the Alliance can be invited to join. It is up to the country concerned to decide if it wishes to seek membership. On six occasions, between 1952 and 2009, a total of 16 European countries chose to seek membership and were admitted. This process has contributed to peace and security in Europe. At the moment, four countries aspire to membership: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia *. Allies assess each applicant country according to its own merits. A wide range of political, economic and security reforms need to be implemented before any country can join. * Turkey recognizes the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) - Press & Media Section Media Operations Centre (MOC) Tel.: +32(0)2 707 1010/1002 E-mail: mailbox.moc@hq.nato.int www.nato.int 0858-15 NATO Graphics & Printing
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Fact Sheet PATRIOT Deployment May 2015 NATO has been augmenting Turkey s defence capabilities since January 2013. In response to Turkey s request, NATO Foreign Ministers decided on 4 December 2012 that NATO would augment Turkey s air defence capabilities in order to defend the population and territory of Turkey against threats posed by missiles from across its border with Syria. Allies have committed five PATRIOT batteries to augment Turkey s air defences. Germany and the United States have provided two batteries each since January 2013. Spain has provided one since January 2015. There are approximately 750 NATO troops supporting the Patriot deployment. The Netherlands provided two batteries from January 2013 until January 2015. All PATRIOT batteries are under NATO command and plugged into NATO s air defence network. Command and control procedures have been agreed by all 28 Allies. NATO s Supreme Allied Commander, General Breedlove, has operational command responsibility for the Patriot deployment. He has delegated responsibility to Allied Air Command, Ramstein, which is in charge of NATO s air defence, and to NATO military commanders on the ground. The first battery became operational under NATO command on 26 January 2013. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visits the US PATRIOT deployment at Gaziantep on 10 October 2014 PATRIOT Missiles Overview The PATRIOT is a surface-to-air guided air and missile defence system currently in use world-wide including in several NATO countries (Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States). PATRIOT stands for Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target. The Syrian regime has used and continues to use ballistic missiles. Since 2012 we have detected several hundred ballistic missile launches within Syria. This emphasizes the need for effective defence of our Ally Turkey. History The first PATRIOT air defence systems were deployed by U.S. Forces in the mid-1980s. During the first Gulf War, it was used to defend against the Iraqi Scud missile threat. The PATRIOT system has evolved over the years as the threat has changed and technology has advanced. The current PATRIOT variants are equipped with advanced interceptor missiles and high performance radar systems. Role The role of the PATRIOT is to defend Turkey against the threat posed by Syrian Ballistic Missiles. Notable characteristics of the PATRIOT system include a short response time, the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, good ground mobility, and the ability to resist electronic jamming.
System Description PATRIOT systems have four operational functions: communications, command and control, radar surveillance and missile (interceptor) guidance. A battery has six major components: a power plant, radar set, an engagement control station, launcher stations, the antenna mast group, and the interceptor missiles themselves. The Radar Set provides detection and tracking of targets as well as fire control. The phased array radar helps guide interceptors to their targets and is resistant to jamming. The Engagement Control Station calculates trajectories for interceptors and controls the launching sequence. It communicates with the launcher stations and other PATRIOT batteries. It is the only manned station in a PATRIOT fire unit. The Launcher Stations transport and protect the interceptor missiles and provide the platform for the physical launch of the missile. The Antenna Mast Group is the main communications backbone for the PATRIOT unit. The Interceptor Missiles: PAC-2 is a proximity fusing missile, whereas PAC-3 has been specifically designed to intercept and destroy missiles by impacting them directly with kinetic energy - Hit-to-Kill technology. Target Engagement Once the PATRIOT missile is launched, it is tracked by the phased array radar set. As the interceptor missile approaches the target, its active seeker will steer the missile to the target. A PAC-2 Patriot missile will detonate in the vicinity of the threat missile whereas a PAC-3 will seek to impact the warhead of the threat ballistic missile. Specifications Variant: PAC-2 and PAC-3 Defended area: 15-20 Km against ballistic missiles Missiles per launching station: 4 PAC-2, 16 PAC-3 Radar Range: 150+ Km Speed: 5,000 Km/h Flight Ceiling: 20+ Km Missile Length: 5.2 m Diameter: 25 cm Weight: 320 Kg PATRIOT Deployment Locations Spain: Adana Germany: Kahramanmaras US: Gaziantep NATO Support to Turkey Elazig Kayseri NATO Members Spain Germany United States of America TURKEY Overview Malatya Adiyaman 2 Patriot batteries Approx. 260 troops Kahramanmaras 2 Patriot batteries Approx. 320 troops 1 Patriot battery Approx. 150 troops Gaziantep Osmaniye Sanliurfa Adana Kilis Antakya Halab(Aleppo) 1:2,300,000 0 0 20 15 40 80 Kilometers 30 60 Miles Based on commercial data. Digital Map Data (C) Collins Bartholomew LTD (2004). Update July 2011. The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by NATO. Produced by NATO HQ, SITCEN - Geospatial Section for Public Diplomacy Division January 2013 Info Mediterranean Sea SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC 0844-15 NATO Graphics & Printing Iskenderun
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Fact Sheet May 2015 NATO s Readiness Action Plan In order to ensure that our Alliance is ready to respond swiftly and firmly to the new security challenges, today we have approved the NATO Readiness Action Plan. It provides a coherent and comprehensive package of necessary measures to respond to the changes in the security environment on NATO s borders and further afield that are of concern to Allies. It responds to the challenges posed by Russia and their strategic implications. It also responds to the risks and threats emanating from our southern neighbourhood, the Middle East and North Africa. The Plan strengthens NATO s collective defence. It also strengthens our crisis management capability. The Plan will contribute to ensuring that NATO remains a strong, ready, robust, and responsive Alliance capable of meeting current and future challenges from wherever they may arise. - NATO Wales Summit declaration, 5 September 2014 NATO s Readiness Action Plan includes immediate reinforcements of NATO s presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, which have been in place since May 2014 ( assurance measures ), and longer-term changes to NATO s force posture which are currently being implemented ( adaptation measures ). The adaptation measures will increase our readiness and allow the Alliance to deal with any security challenges, including those emanating from the east and the south. Assurance Measures - immediate increased military presence and activity for assurance and deterrence in the eastern part of the Alliance. Adaptation Measures - changes to the Alliance s long-term military posture and capabilities to enable it to respond more quickly to emergencies wherever they arise. Assurance Measures The assurance measures are a series of land, sea and air activities in, on and around the territory of NATO Allies in Central and Eastern Europe, designed to reinforce their defence, reassure their populations and deter potential aggression. These are a direct result of Russia s aggressive actions in Ukraine. All 28 Allies are contributing to these measures on a rotational basis. The measures can be stepped up or reduced as necessary, depending on the security situation. Since May 2014, as part of the Assurance Measures NATO has: Increased the number of fighter jets on air-policing patrols over the Baltic States, and deployed fighter jets to Romania and Poland. Belgium, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom took over air-policing duties on 1 May 2015. Portugal and the United States have also deployed aircraft to Romania for training purposes. Commenced regular AWACS surveillance flights over the territory of our eastern Allies, and maritime patrol aircraft flights along our eastern borders. Conducted intensified maritime patrols in the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean with the Standing NATO Maritime Groups and Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Groups. Deployed ground troops to the eastern parts of the Alliance for training and exercises, on a rotational basis.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Fact Sheet Conducted more exercises focused on crisis management and collective defence. Major exercises in 2015 include Joint Warrior (11 23 April: naval exercise in the North Atlantic - 13,000 troops); Dynamic Mongoose (4 15 May: antisubmarine warfare exercise off Norway - 5,000 troops); Baltops (5 20 June: naval and amphibious exercise in the Baltic Sea - 4,500 troops); Sabre Strike (8 19 June: land exercise in the Baltic states and Poland - 3,000 troops); Noble Jump (10 21 June: first deployment test for the new high readiness force to Poland - 2,100 troops); Trident Joust (17 28 June: headquarter exercise in Bulgaria, Romania and Italy - 1,500 troops) and Trident Juncture (21 October 6 November: Italy, Portugal and Spain - 25,000 troops). Several Allies have also sent ground and air forces to Eastern Europe for training and exercises on a bilateral basis. For example, the United States moved hundreds of troops and vehicles through Eastern Europe with operation Dragoon Ride in April 2015. In May 2015, France is sending Leclerc tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to Poland for training, and Germany announced plans to send 1,700 troops to the region. Adaptation Measures Adaptation measures are longer-term changes to NATO s forces and command structure which will make the Alliance better able to react swiftly and decisively to sudden crises, whether these arise to the east or the south. They include: Making the NATO Response Force (NRF) more responsive and capable. The NRF will be roughly doubled from the current level of 13,000 troops, depending on the task it is needed for. This will include land, sea, air and special forces components. At the same time, a new quick-reaction Spearhead Force (Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, or VJTF) of around 5,000 ground troops supported by air, maritime and special forces will be created. Their lead elements will be able to start deploying in just 48 hours. The Spearhead and NRF forces will be based in their home countries, but be able to deploy from there to wherever they are needed for exercises or crisis response. Leadership and membership of the VJTF and NRF will rotate on an annual basis. Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands have already established an interim Spearhead force, while the full force is scheduled to stand up in 2016. Six Allies - France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom - have already offered to serve as lead nations. Enhancing NATO s Standing Naval Forces with more ships and more types of ships. Establishing multinational NATO command and control posts on the territories of the eastern Allies (Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania), manned on a rotational basis. These NATO Force Integration Units (NFIUs) would be staffed by national and NATO specialists. Their task would be to improve cooperation and coordination between NATO and national forces, and prepare and support exercises and any deployments needed. Raising the readiness and capabilities of the Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin in Poland and enhancing its role as a hub for regional cooperation. Pre-positioning military supplies on the territory of eastern Allies. Improving NATO s ability to reinforce its eastern Allies through preparation of national infrastructure, such as airfields and ports. Updating defence plans for Eastern Europe. Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) Press & Media Section Media Operations Centre (MOC) Tel.: +32(0)2 707 1010/1002 E-mail: mailbox.moc@hq.nato.int www.nato.int 0883-15 NATO Graphics & Printing
North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO S practical support to Ukraine Fact Sheet May 2015 At the September 2014 Wales Summit, NATO Allies established a comprehensive and tailored package of measures so that Ukraine can better provide for its security. The package focused on four areas: rehabilitation for injured troops; cyber defence; logistics; and command and control and communications. They also agreed to assist Ukraine with the rehabilitation of injured military personnel. Since then, five Trust Funds have been established to address those five priorities and are today operational. NATO-Ukraine Logistics and Standardization Trust Fund Lead Nation(s): The Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Poland. The NATO Support Agency (NSPA) will act as the implementing body and will be responsible for the management of the Trust Fund. On 28 April 2015, the NSPA and Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which formalizes the agency s role as executing agent for the Logistics and Standardization Trust Fund. Additional contributions (as of 7 May 2015): Denmark, Turkey. Objective: to help reform Ukraine s logistic system and increase its interoperability with NATO, notably through the adoption of NATO standards for the tracking and management of national military equipment and supplies. Duration: the project will run for an initial period of two years. It will culminate with the certification of Ukraine s logistic system. Implementation: Three initiatives to support the Armed Forces supply and warehousing system are planned for 2015. NATO-Ukraine Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) Trust Fund Lead Nations: Canada, Germany, United Kingdom. The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) will act as the Executing Agent and together with the Defense Investment Division and will be responsible for the management of the C4 Trust Fund. On 24 April 2015, the NCIA and Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Consultation, Command, Control and Communication (C4), which will facilitate the implementation of the NATO- Ukraine C4 Trust Fund. Additional Contributing Nations (as of 7 May 2015): Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Turkey. Objective(s): The aim of the C4 Trust Fund is to help Ukraine modernize its C4 structures and capabilities, and facilitate their interoperability with NATO to enhance Ukraine s ability to provide for its own security and contribute to NATO-led exercises and operations. Based upon availability of funds and the priority areas for assistance to be identified through the Feasibility Study, practical assistance could include: assessment, introduction, and implementation of modern C4 architectural network; procurement of C4 equipment; acquisition of modern Communications and Information Services (CIS) and technologies; and the provision of associated CIS training. Duration: The project will run for an initial period of two years. NATO-Ukraine Cyber Defence Trust Fund Lead Nation(s): Romania. Acting through a Romanian state-owned company with a rich experience in cyber defence (RASIROM R.A.), Romania is also responsible for the project s implementation as the Executing Agent. Additional Contributions (as of 7 May 2015): Albania, Estonia, Hungary, Portugal, Turkey. Objective(s): to help Ukraine develop technical capabilities to counter cyber threats. Based on availability of funds, assistance could include the establishment of an Incident Management Centre for the monitoring of cyber security events and the establishment of laboratories to investigate cyber security incidents. The project also provides for the training of personnel in the use of these technologies and equipment, as well as practical advice on policy development. Duration: up to 24 months. NATO-Ukraine Military Career Management Trust Fund Lead Nation(s): Norway. NATO s Political Affairs and Security Policy Division (PASP) will act as the executing body and will be responsible for the management of the fund. Additional Contributions (as of 7 May 2015): Croatia, Greece, Luxembourg, Portugal, Turkey. Objective(s): The project aims at assisting the Ukraine s Ministry of Defence with the development of a sustainable and effective resettlement programme for military personnel returning to civilian career. Assistance will be provided through expert advice on policy development and application of best practices from other NATO countries. The project builds up on other re-training activities, which are currently carried out by NATO and funded by the NATO Civil Budget. Duration: The project will be carried out over a period of 3 years. NATO-Ukraine Medical Rehabilitation Trust Fund Lead Nation(s): Bulgaria. The NSPA will act as the executing agent. On 28 April 2015, the NSPA and Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which formalizes the agency s role for the Medical Rehabilitation Trust Fund. Additional Contributions (as from 7 May 2015): Slovakia, Turkey. Objective(s): This project aims at ensuring that injured Ukrainian servicemen and women have access to appropriate rehabilitation services and that the local Ukrainian medical centres are properly equipped to deliver those rehabilitation services. Based upon availability of funds, assistance could include the provision of direct medical support, physical and psychological therapy to the patients; the construction, renovation, refurbishment and equipping of Ukrainian facilities; and the delivery of vocational training to help further develop specialized medical staff. Duration: the project will be carried out over a period of 24 months. Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, other programmes of cooperation between NATO and Ukraine have been enhanced. As agreed at the April 2014 Foreign Ministers meeting, these efforts were aimed at promoting defence reforms through capacity building and capability development programmes, and strengthening civilian control over the armed forces and related security sectors.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Fact Sheet Other NATO Programmes and Activities in support of Ukraine Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, other programmes of cooperation between NATO and Ukraine have been enhanced. As agreed at the April 2014 Foreign Ministers meeting, these efforts were aimed at promoting defence reforms through capacity building and capability development programmes, and strengthening civilian control over the armed forces and related security sectors. Medical Rehabilitation Since February 2015, a series of activities have been implemented as part of NATO s civil budget and complementing the NATO-Ukraine Medical Rehabilitation Trust Fund. These include the provision of psychological support to 300 soldiers returning from combat; the delivery of education in the field of medical and psychological rehabilitation to more than 300 Ukrainian experts; and the provision of practical medical rehabilitation to one soldier. NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme of cooperation with Ukraine Since April 2014, the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) programme of cooperation with Ukraine includes 17 new projects, based on Ukrainian proposals, in a vast variety of areas such as the defence against Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) agents, smart energy, security-related advance technologies and cyber defence. Additionally, Allies have provided substantial new contributions to the Professional Development Programme which is supporting capacity building and reform efforts in Ukraine s security and defence institutions. As a result of the suspension of SPS activities with Russia and the subsequent re-allocation of funding to cooperation with Ukraine, the budget for the SPS programme of cooperation with Ukraine reached 2.2 million EUR for 2014 alone, and is estimated to 10 million EUR for the 2014-2017 period, thereby making Ukraine the number one beneficiary of NATO SPS programme. The Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP) Ukraine DEEP Ukraine started in 2013 for an initial period of 3-years. It is a tailored programme through which the Alliance advises on how to build, develop and reform educational institutions in the security, defence and military domain. Its two main tracks of assistance focus on: faculty (how to teach) and curriculum (what to teach) development for 8 key Ukrainian institutions in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odessa and Zhytomir. Poland is the Lead Nation. Additional in-kind and/or financial contributions are provided by Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia, United Kingdom, and United States. In 2014, NATO appointed a special Advisor for military education reform who coordinates Allied assistance in this domain. As of 2015, assistance has been extended to Non-Commissioned Officers Corps. It is the biggest DEEP programme ever with a partner country. In 2015, the number of DEEP activities will double, reaching 60 events involving 360 Ukrainian professors and 60 Allied experts. NATO s Building Integrity (BI) Programme with Ukraine. Since its inception in 2007, NATO and Allies have been assisting Ukraine, through the BI Programme, in strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability in its defence and security sector and reduce the risk of corruption. In 2014, the participation of Ukrainian civil servants and military officers in BI education and training activities has tripled. In 2015-2017, this assistance will continue and include specific educational tailored BI programme focusing on raising awareness on corruption as a security threat and on strengthening the management of financial and human resources. Moreover, NATO and BI Lead Nations led and participated in different meetings including in Kyiv with defence attachés, representatives of local embassies and international organizations to exchange on assistance offered, align efforts and avoid any duplication of activities. Public Diplomacy, Strategic Communications NATO provides advisory and funding support to Ukraine on public diplomacy, media relations and strategic communications to the Ukrainian authorities and capacity to counter the Russian propaganda. In particular, since 2014, NATO has been supporting the Ukraine Crisis Media Centre and the Kyiv Post in generating factual stories from the occupied Crimea peninsula as well as from Eastern Ukraine. As agreed at the April 2014 Foreign Ministers meeting, NATO s Liaison Office in Kyiv was also reinforced with 7 additional national experts. NATO has been regularly training Ukrainian government officials and civil society activists in communications disciplines, including strategic communications and public affairs. NATO s Air Situation Data Exchange (ASDE) Cooperation with Ukraine Ukraine joined the NATO Air Situation Data Exchange (ASDE) programme in July 2006. This programme aims to reduce airspace conflicts in two ways: by minimizing potential cross-border incidents along common borders and optimizing responses to terrorist attacks using civil airplanes. It is carried out through the exchange of filtered air situation information, thereby enhancing mutual awareness and transparency about what is going on in the respective airspace. The programme also provides Ukraine with insight into NATO procedures and offers valuable training experience. Following the formal approval process and implementation activities, the first connection between NATO and Ukraine, via Hungary, has been operational since December 2008. A second connection, via Turkey, has been operational since mid 2011. Following the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and at the request of Ukraine, air data information provided by NATO has been extended to cover a larger area. NATO s Professional Development Programme (PDP) with Ukraine Launched in 2005, NATO s Professional Development Programme with Ukraine helps enhance the professional skills of key civilian officials in order to strengthen capacity for effective democratic management. In 2014, the budget allocated to the PDP Ukraine doubled, with contributions from the United Kingdom (Lead Nation), and Denmark. Additional contributions include Germany s provision of experts and Turkey s hosting of training and education activities. Activities focused on National Guard reform, critical infrastructure protection, and strategic communications. Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) - Press & Media Section Media Operations Centre (MOC) Tel.: +32(0)2 707 1010/1002 E-mail: mailbox.moc@hq.nato.int www.nato.int 0889-15 NATO Graphics & Printing
Resolute Support Mission Resolute Support Mission (RSM): Key Facts and Figures Mission: The Resolute Support mission (RSM) is a new NATO-led mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces and institutions. The mission was launched on 1 January 2015, immediately following the stand-down of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The legal framework for the Resolute Support mission is provided by a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), signed in Kabul on 30 September 2014 and ratified by the Afghan Parliament on 27 November 2014. The SOFA defines the terms and conditions under which NATO forces are deployed, as well as the activities they are authorised to carry out. The mission is also supported by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189, unanimously adopted on 12 December 2014. The Resolute Support mission will provide training, advice and assistance in eight key areas: multi-year budgeting; transparency, accountability and oversight; civilian oversight of the Afghan Security Institutions; force generation; force sustainment; strategy and policy planning, resourcing and execution; intelligence; and strategic communications. Those countries not contributing troops to the Resolute Support Mission are supporting this mission in different ways, as well as the broad effort to strengthen the sustainment of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in the long term. Beyond this training, advice and assistance mission, Allies and partner countries will also contribute to the financing of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, and will enhance the Enduring Partnership with Afghanistan, by strengthening political consultations with the country and by strengthening practical cooperation in areas of specific interest for Afghanistan. These efforts are part of the broader engagement of the international community in Afghanistan to ensure that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for terrorism. Commander: General John F. Campbell (USA) NATO Senior Civilian Representative: Ambassador Ismail Aramaz (TUR) 42 Contributing Nations RSM Total Strength: 13,199 RSM Command in KABUL RSM Headquarters Commander: General John F. Campbell (USA) RSM Command in KABUL Deputy Commander: Lieutenant General Carsten Jacobson, (DEU) Train, Advise and Assist Command (TAAC) Capital: Headquarter TAAC(C) in Kabul (TUR) Commander: Brigadier General Şafak Gök (TUR) Train, Advise and Assist Command (TAAC) North: Headquarter TAAC(N) in Mazar-e Sharif (DEU) Commander: Brigadier General Andreas Hannemann (DEU) Train, Advise and Assist Command (TAAC) East: Headquarter TAAC(W) in Laghman (USA) Commander: Brigadier General Christopher F. Bentley (USA) Train, Advise and Assist Command (TAAC) South: Headquarter TAAC(S) in Kandahar (USA) Commander: Brigadier General Viet X. Luong (USA) Train, Advise and Assist Command (TAAC) West: Headquarter TAAC(W) in Herat (ITA) Commander: Brigadier General Maurizio Angelo Scardino (ITA) May 2015
Resolute Support Mission Troop Contributing Nations Albania 42 Germany 850 Poland 150 Armenia 121 Greece 4 Portugal 10 Australia 400 Hungary 97 Romania 650 Austria 10 Iceland 4 Slovakia 39 Azerbaijan 94 Ireland 7 Slovenia 7 Belgium 43 Italy 500 Spain 294 Bosnia-Herzegovina 53 Latvia 25 Sweden 30 Bulgaria 110 Lithuania 70 the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 1 38 Croatia 91 Luxembourg 1 Turkey 503 Czech Republic 236 Mongolia 120 Ukraine 10 Denmark 160 Montenegro 17 United Kingdom 470 Estonia 4 Netherlands 83 United States 6,827 Finland 80 New Zealand 8 Total 13,199 Georgia 885 Norway 56 Note on numbers: The number of troops above reflects the overall contribution of individual contributing nations. They should be taken as indicative as they change daily, in accordance with the deployment procedures of the individual troop contributing nations. 1 Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name. 2 See links to media backgrounder on A new chapter in NATO-Afghanistan relations from 2015 and to media backgrounder on the ANA Trust Fund. May 2015
Kosovo Force (KFOR) Key Facts and Figures Mission: NATO-KFOR s mission is to contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment as mandated by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. In carrying out its mission, NATO cooperates and assists the United Nations, the European Union and other international actors, as appropriate, to support the development of a stable and peaceful Kosovo. KFOR supports the development of professional, democratic and multi-ethnic security structures in Kosovo. This includes NATO s support for the ongoing development of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) through the provision of advice, training and capacity-building at KSF Brigade level and above. The KSF is as an all-voluntary, professional, multi-ethnic, lightly-armed force. Its basic missions include crisis response, assistance to civilian authorities in responding to natural and other disasters, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and civilian protection tasks. Commander: Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo (ITA) 31 Troop Contributing Nations KFOR Total Strength: 4,687 May 2015
Kosovo Force (KFOR) Troop contributions Albania 10 Lithuania 1 Armenia 35 Luxembourg 24 Austria 538 Moldova 42 Bulgaria 10 Netherlands 5 Canada 5 Norway 2 Croatia 27 Poland 244 Czech Republic 8 Portugal 186 Denmark 35 Romania 54 Estonia 2 Slovenia 340 Finland 20 Sweden 6 France 2 Switzerland 263 Germany 682 Turkey 383 Greece 127 United Kingdom 1 Hungary 333 United States 713 Ireland 12 Ukraine 25 Italy 552 Total 4,687 May 2015
Kosovo Force (KFOR) Troop contributions KFOR NON-NATO CONTRIBUTING NATIONS 1 Armenia Austria Finland Ireland Moldova Morocco Sweden Switzerland Ukraine the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 2 1 A KFOR non-nato contributing nation is a NATO operational partner that contributes forces/capabilities to KFOR or supports it in other ways. The North Atlantic Council needs to formally accept a nation as a KFOR non- NATO contributing nation, on the basis of political-military advice. 2 Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name. May 2015