Three NATO nations have announced plans to build defended bunkers along their borders with Russia. Europe has also received a cautionary message to increase their weapons reserves to levels typically seen during times of disagreement, as they prepare for a potential confrontation with Vladimir Putin.
Following the catastrophic results of the Russian President's prolonged invasion of Ukraine, the defense ministers of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have come together to proactively prevent a similar tragedy from occurring.The trio of Baltic nations has announced plans to build a comprehensive network of fortifications along their borders, aiming to deter any potential invasion.
Estonia Plans $64.7 Million Bunker Project
Spanish soldiers in an Pizarro tank during an exercise to capture an airfield as part of the Trident Juncture 2018, a NATO-led military exercise, on November 1, 2018 near the town of Oppdal, Norway. - Trident Juncture 2018, is a NATO-led military exercise held in Norway from 25 October to 7 November 2018. The exercise is the largest of its kind in Norway since the 1980s. Around 50,000 participants from NATO and partner countries, some 250 aircraft, 65 ships and up to 10,000 vehicles take part in the exercise. The main goal of Trident Juncture is allegedly to train the NATO Response Force and to test the alliance's defence capability.
Estonia has unveiled plans for a $64.7 million bunker project aimed at bolstering its defenses. The construction, set to begin in Estonia, will include approximately 600 bunkers strategically placed around the border crossing points of Narva in the north and Võru in the south, according to a report by Newsweek.
Susan Lilleväli from the Estonian Defence Ministry emphasized the project's overarching goal of ensuring readiness "to fight the enemy from the first meter and first hour." Citing the challenges faced by Ukraine in reclaiming conquered territories, Lilleväli stressed the significance of counter-mobility and fortification measures in preventing military conflicts.
Estonia, along with Latvia and Lithuania, has long been considered a potential target for Russian aggression within NATO. While Ukraine has managed to resist Moscow's advances for years, the Baltic states are seen as more vulnerable, potentially falling within a matter of days if faced with an invasion.
Lilleväli highlighted that these installations serve the dual purpose of deterring military conflict in the region and potentially altering the enemy's calculations. She drew parallels with historical conflicts in the region, such as in Finland, and cited the ongoing war in Ukraine as a demonstration of the continued validity of fortification measures in the 21st century.
Concerns over Russian aggression have prompted NATO to call for increased levels of weapons production in Europe. Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary-general of NATO, emphasized the need to reinforce the industrial base to support Ukraine and replenish weapons stocks. Stoltenberg cautioned against taking peace in Europe for granted, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as evidence, as per to The Sun.
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Trump's World War Comments
The possibility of a global conflict is increasing due to the contentious remarks made by former US President Donald Trump. During a recent rally, Trump expressed his stance on NATO members who do not meet defense contribution expectations, stating that he would be open to Russia taking action accordingly.
NATO swiftly intervened, condemning Trump's actions for endangering soldiers and reiterating its dedication to a strong and united response to any NATO attack.
Lithuania is also strategically planning for potential Russian aggression, focusing on the Suwałki Gap, a critical land strip between Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The gap's occupation could isolate the Baltic states from their European allies.
Estonia's bunker project includes the construction of 600 bunkers designed to hold 10 troops each, along with equipment and gear. These bunkers, resembling cuboid concrete cellars, aim to provide protection against enemy artillery shells. The first installations are expected to begin in early 2025, with prototypes currently under construction and testing set to commence this year.
Lieutenant Colonel Kaido Tiitus, an adviser to Lilleväli, explained that the bunkers are a crucial component to stop the advance of Russian armored units from the outset. Learning from the conflict in Ukraine, Estonia aims to protect against larger caliber artillery, ensuring the network's effectiveness in the event of war.
As tensions continue to rise, NATO nations, including Estonia, closely analyze the Russian military's performance in Ukraine to strengthen their defenses against potential threats. Estonia's bunker network is strategically designed to address the strengths and weaknesses of Moscow's units, providing a robust defense against potential aggression, according to Newsweek.
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