NEW DELHI: Nato is setting up a network of logistics hubs across Europe, aiming to facilitate rapid troop deployments in response to potential threats. This initiative, termed the “military Schengen,” mirrors the European Schengen Area’s principles by allowing unhindered movement but focuses on military personnel and assets instead, The Times reported on Sunday.
Military leaders have been contemplating this concept for an extended period, as reported by The Times, which stated that discussions regarding the establishment of these corridors are currently in progress. It’s anticipated that the outcomes of these talks may be revealed prior to Nato’s upcoming summit scheduled for July.
Currently, Nato forces are confronted with a multitude of national regulations, ranging from the advance notice needed for shipping ammunition to the maximum length allowed for military convoys and the necessary measures for disease prevention. Addressing this issue, Admiral Rob Bauer, the head of Nato’s military committee, expressed concern about the constraints. “We have a surplus of regulations, but the one thing we don’t have is time,” he cautioned. He further emphasized the strategic significance of these logistical challenges by stating, “Russia’s war against Ukraine has proven to be a war of attrition – and a war of attrition is a battle of logistics.”
Enhancing response capabilities
The alliance’s decision to establish these corridors comes as a strategic move to ensure swift mobilization and deployment of forces. “This is about how we can move forces across Europe in a faster way, how we can transport heavy equipment, tanks, and troops,” explained Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a press conference in Lithuania.
Stoltenberg highlighted the logistical challenges inherent in military mobilization across various European terrains. The initiative aims to address the diverse railway gauges and infrastructural limitations that currently hinder rapid troop movement. By establishing these corridors, Nato aims to overcome such barriers, ensuring that forces can be deployed promptly and efficiently when needed.
A unified military transit systemThe “military Schengen” concept draws inspiration from the civilian Schengen Area, which allows unrestricted movement across member states. Nato’s adaptation of this idea for military purposes underscores the alliance’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and readiness to respond to potential threats swiftly.
As Nato continues to fortify its presence and capabilities in Europe, the establishment of these logistic hubs marks a significant step towards ensuring that the alliance can mobilize and deploy its forces effectively, maintaining stability and security in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)
Military leaders have been contemplating this concept for an extended period, as reported by The Times, which stated that discussions regarding the establishment of these corridors are currently in progress. It’s anticipated that the outcomes of these talks may be revealed prior to Nato’s upcoming summit scheduled for July.
Currently, Nato forces are confronted with a multitude of national regulations, ranging from the advance notice needed for shipping ammunition to the maximum length allowed for military convoys and the necessary measures for disease prevention. Addressing this issue, Admiral Rob Bauer, the head of Nato’s military committee, expressed concern about the constraints. “We have a surplus of regulations, but the one thing we don’t have is time,” he cautioned. He further emphasized the strategic significance of these logistical challenges by stating, “Russia’s war against Ukraine has proven to be a war of attrition – and a war of attrition is a battle of logistics.”
Enhancing response capabilities
The alliance’s decision to establish these corridors comes as a strategic move to ensure swift mobilization and deployment of forces. “This is about how we can move forces across Europe in a faster way, how we can transport heavy equipment, tanks, and troops,” explained Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a press conference in Lithuania.
Stoltenberg highlighted the logistical challenges inherent in military mobilization across various European terrains. The initiative aims to address the diverse railway gauges and infrastructural limitations that currently hinder rapid troop movement. By establishing these corridors, Nato aims to overcome such barriers, ensuring that forces can be deployed promptly and efficiently when needed.
A unified military transit systemThe “military Schengen” concept draws inspiration from the civilian Schengen Area, which allows unrestricted movement across member states. Nato’s adaptation of this idea for military purposes underscores the alliance’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and readiness to respond to potential threats swiftly.
As Nato continues to fortify its presence and capabilities in Europe, the establishment of these logistic hubs marks a significant step towards ensuring that the alliance can mobilize and deploy its forces effectively, maintaining stability and security in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)