NATO to ramp up defence plans amid ongoing Russian threat

NATO is planning to significantly expand its military capabilities to strengthen deterrence and defence against the continued threat from Russia, with plans to boost existing targets by about 30%, dpa has learned from alliance sources.

The new objectives include increasing stockpiles of long-range cruise missiles and drones, as well as strengthening air defence and artillery systems, according to sources.

To meet these goals, NATO member states are expected to receive updated national planning targets, according to the information. The targets are due to be formally adopted at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels on Thursday.

However, reaching the new targets will be challenging, with senior military officials saying member states are already falling about 30% short of existing goals.

The exact national targets remain classified, though some details are expected to be released after Thursday's meeting.

In Germany, military sources estimate that the Bundeswehr, as the German armed forces are called, may need to grow by a high five-digit number from its current size of around 182,000 troops to meet requirements. Significant investments in air defence systems are also expected.