(VOVworld) -  NATO has decided to strengthen the alliance’s collective defence, including by increasing the strength and capability of the NATO Response Force.

NATO defence ministers decided to strengthen the NRF force (photo: nato.int)

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told a press briefing after the 1^st day of the NATO defense ministerial conference in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday that ministers further took measures to speed up political and military decision-making, including authority for NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe to prepare troops for action as soon as a political decision is made.
NATO Defence Ministers decided on air, maritime, and special forces components of the enhanced NATO Response Force (NRF). The NRF will now consist of up to 40,000 personnel – a major increase from the previous level of 13,000.
Stoltenberg said NATO has not aimed to encounter and create an armed race with Russia, but the alliance is responsible for its members’ security. NATO will response to Russia’s activities in Eastern Europe.