NATO Defence Ministers are meeting in Brussels to address how to make NATO stronger and further support partner nations. In addition to NATO member states, Finland, Georgia, Sweden and Ukraine are participating in the ministerial.

Secretary General welcomed US Secretary of Defense to NATO Headquarters, ahead of today’s meetings of Allied defence ministers. Jens Stoltenberg thanked Lloyd Austin for the leadership of the US in strengthening NATO, and for his personal commitment to the Alliance. He also welcomed the US’ strong support for Ukraine, including its new announcement of additional aid, and commended Secretary Austin for his role in convening the Ukraine Support Contact Group, ensuring that the country continues to receive vital military supplies.

“Allies and partners have already provided Ukraine with billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment, as well as economic and humanitarian aid. Allies are committed to continue providing the military equipment that Ukraine needs to prevail, including heavy weapons and long-range systems”, - Stoltenberg said.

NATO Defence Ministers will also address the need to significantly strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defence. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the number of NATO battlegroups has doubled to eight and more than 40,000 troops are now under direct NATO command.

“We will now take decisions on the scale and design of our posture for the longer term. To ensure that we can defend every inch of Allied territory. From the first moment, at all times, and against any threat. This will mean more presence, capabilities and readiness”, - said Secretary General.

He said that would mean more NATO forward deployed combat formations to strengthen the battlegroups in the East, more air, sea and cyber defences, pre-positioned equipment and weapon stockpiles. Stoltenberg also highlighted a new force model, with more forces at higher readiness, and specific forces pre-assigned to the defence of specific Allies.