Retired U.S. Lieutenant General Ben Hodges recently stated that NATO is not adequately prepared for a large-scale conventional war. He made these comments at a discussion at the Warsaw Security Forum, attended by the Kyiv Independent. Hodges pointed out that many of Europe’s political and military leaders do not fully acknowledge the realities of a possible war with Russia.
Hodges highlighted several areas where NATO is lacking, including air defenses, military mobility, ammunition, and the mindset needed for a quick response. He stated that NATO’s eastern flank only has 5% of the air defense capabilities necessary to deter an attack. Additionally, he noted that the alliance still struggles with military mobility, making it difficult to quickly respond to a potential attack.
If Russia were to attack NATO, Hodges believes they would target critical infrastructure, such as seaports and airports, which would hinder the alliance’s ability to respond. He also mentioned that during the Cold War, Western armies were ready for deployment within 24 hours, but today’s militaries lack this mindset.
Hodges called for NATO to have the courage to acknowledge the threat posed by Russia and to take proactive measures, such as deploying troops and stockpiling ammunition, to be prepared for a potential conflict. He also emphasized the need for more investment in exercises and ammunition production to increase the alliance’s readiness.
Despite these challenges, Hodges praised Poland‘s efforts to transform its military and stated that European countries are moving in a better direction. However, he also noted that ten and a half years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, NATO still struggles to provide enough ammunition for a week and has had to rely on emptying its bunkers to help.
In conclusion, Hodges believes that NATO must address these deficiencies and take proactive measures to be fully prepared for a potential conflict with Russia. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the threat and investing in the necessary resources to increase the alliance’s readiness.
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