Both NATO and the US have announced an increased military presence in eastern Europe.
(Photo: Reuters)
(VOVworld) - The US plans to deploy heavy weapons in central and eastern Europe for the first time, in the midst of the worst standoff between Russia and the West since the Cold War, triggered by the crisis in Ukraine.
US defense secretary Ashton Carter told a joint press conference with three Baltic defense ministers on the eve of NATO ministerial talks in Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn, that 250 tanks, including Bradley fighting vehicles and self-propelled howitzers will be deployed.
An associated armored brigade combat team equipment will be sent first to Baltic and Central European countries. Mr. Carter added that Baltic Sates including Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland had agreed to host company- to battalion-sized elements which would be moved around the region for training and exercises.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said following the statement of US defense secretary of defense Carter, that US deploy heavy weapons in Europe for military exercise purpose and affirmed Washington’s support to ensure military capability of the NATO Response Forces, by 40,000 soldiers.