BRUSSELS:
NATO defence ministers are gathering in a fresh show of resolve against Russia while hoping to prevent a series of festering
trans-Atlantic disputes from undermining unity across the 29-nation military alliance.
At a meeting in Brussels today, the ministers are set to unveil a new plan to reinforce their presence in Europe in the event of any crisis with the deployment of 30 troop battalions, 30 squadrons of aircraft and 30 warships within 30 days.
Details of the plan, to be in place by 2020, are sketchy. The ministers are also likely to announce a strengthening of maritime operations, particularly in the
Mediterranean Sea, where Russian ships have been shadowing allied vessels.
Staffing levels for two new commands covering the
Atlantic Ocean and mainland Europe are also to be revealed.
The entrance of the new building housing the NATO headquarters in Brussels. (AFP photo)