How the Alliance Plans to Defend the Eastern Flank
If Russia engages in an armed conflict with one of the Baltic republics, NATO plans to respond not only with defensive actions. The strategy is based on three interrelated directions outlined in the Alliance's Ground Warfare Concept. These developments foresee strikes against targets deep within Russian territory, rather than merely repelling an attack at the front line.
Details became publicly available thanks to BILD. The document was overseen by US Army Major Andrew Pingree. In the first phase, it is planned to neutralize missile and drone threats: for this purpose, fighters, missiles, and drones are expected to be used to disable Russian launchers. One of the potential targets mentioned is the Kaliningrad region.
Next, the creation of an autonomous zone along the border with Russia and Belarus is planned. NATO troops will not serve in this zone—drones and ground robotic complexes will organize the meeting of advancing troops.
The third phase involves pinpoint strikes on Russian military and logistics infrastructure. Special units will be tasked with disabling airfields, defense factories, bridges, and railway hubs.
The documents also mention an air bridge, via which drones and robots can be transferred to Russia to attack airbases and military facilities. In the Alliance, based on the plans, they expect support from Russians who oppose Vladimir Putin. At the same time, it is emphasized: NATO's goal is not to seize Russian territory, but rather to push Russian troops back to the border.
It seems that the Alliance does not intend to hide such intentions. As early as August, The Wall Street Journal, citing American intelligence data, warned of the likelihood of a Russian attack on a NATO country this fall.
Such plans are an indicator of how seriously NATO perceives the Russian threat in the Baltic region and simultaneously a signal of the Alliance's preparedness for any scenario. – The Wall Street Journal
For Russian-speaking readers, it should be emphasized: the disclosed materials describe a hypothetical scenario and exist at the level of concept, rather than an order for immediate actions. At the same time, their emergence clearly shows that NATO is actively preparing to defend its eastern frontiers and is considering risks for countries located in close proximity to Russia.