TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is said to need to strengthen its long-range missile arsenal to prevent potential attacks by Russia against Europe. This statement was made by Major General John Rafferty of the United States Army at the U.S. military base in Wiesbaden, Germany.
"The Russian army is bigger today than it was when they started the war in Ukraine," said Rafferty, as quoted from Arab News. He said that Russia is expected to continue developing rockets, long-range missiles, and advanced air defense systems, making the increase in NATO's military capabilities very important.
According to Rafferty, the use of long-range missiles by Russia in the invasion of Ukraine has been proven effective in destroying command posts, transportation centers, and missile launchers in the rear areas. Kyiv is now also working to strengthen its air defense, which has long been heavily reliant on missile supplies from the United States.
U.S. Ready to Deploy Missiles in Germany
Rafferty previously served as the Commander of the 56th Artillery Command of the U.S. Army in Mainz-Kastell, Germany. The region is currently preparing to become a temporary deployment location for long-range missiles owned by the United States on European soil, starting in 2026.
However, the plan has sparked protests from Moscow. The Russian government considers the deployment of long-range U.S. missiles a serious threat to its national security. Russia also dismissed NATO's concerns about the potential attacks on member countries and reiterated NATO's expansion as one of the main reasons for the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
NATO Defense Budget Increases
The increasing threat from Russia has prompted NATO member countries to agree on raising their defense spending. As cited from NBC News, at the meeting last June, the alliance agreed to increase the budget target from the previous 2 percent to 5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035.
In a joint declaration, NATO stated that they are "united in facing deep security threats," including the long-term threat from Russia to regional security and the ongoing threat of terrorism.
Of the total 5 percent, at least 3.5 percent will be used for pure defense needs. The rest will be allocated to important infrastructure that supports civil readiness, promotes innovation, and strengthens the defense industry. However, not all member countries immediately welcomed the new target. Several countries, including Spain, have not yet met the previous 2 percent target set in 2014.
This decision also comes after pressure from President Donald Trump on European and Canadian countries to share defense responsibilities. The increase in the budget target is NATO's most ambitious step in over a decade, amid the Ukraine conflict and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Editor's Choice: European Court Holds Russia Accountable for MH17 Downing
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Trump Approves US$300 Million Weapon Shipment to Ukraine
20 jam lalu
Trump is preparing to send weapons directly to Ukraine, marking the first time he will personally exercise his authority to do so.
European Court Holds Russia Accountable for MH17 Downing
1 hari lalu
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled Russia responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which killed all 298 passengers and crew members.
Indonesia to Extradite Russian Citizen Aleksandr Zverev Over Criminal Charges
1 hari lalu
The Indonesian government has decided to extradite a Russian national, Aleksandr Vladimirovich Zverev, back to his home country, as requested by the Russian government.
Russia Fires 728 Drones into Ukraine After Trump Vows More Arms Support
2 hari lalu
Russian drones attacked Ukraine shortly after US President Donald Trump promised to send more weapons and impose sanctions on Moscow.
Russia Casts Doubt on Transparency of US Military Aid to Ukraine
3 hari lalu
Russia says it needs time to identify the type and quantity of additional weapons the U.S. plans to send to Ukraine.
Measuring the Power of BRICS that Now Covers Over Half the World's Population
3 hari lalu
As the majority of representatives from developing countries, BRICS will act as a force in shaping the new world order.
US to Send More Weapons to Ukraine, Trump Says
4 hari lalu
President Trump stated on Monday that the US would send more weapons to Ukraine to help the country defend itself from Russian attacks.
BRICS+ Meets in Rio Amid Global Shifts and Internal Fractures
4 hari lalu
As leaders of the group gather for BRICS summit, the absence of China's Xi and Russia's Putin shifts the spotlight to India's Modi and Brazil's Lula.
Why the International Community Bans Chemical Weapons in Warfare
4 hari lalu
German and Dutch intelligence agencies have accused Russia of using chemical weapons in Ukraine. Why are such weapons heavily condemned?
BRICS Leaders Denounce Military Strikes on Iran as Breaches of International Law
4 hari lalu
The condemnation was part of a joint declaration issued at the BRICS Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, 2025.
