European Union countries are seeking to reduce by almost 15 times the time needed to move NATO troops from west to east - from the current about 45 days to just five or even three days. This is reported by the Financial Times, citing EU representatives, reports Focus.
According to the publication, the rapid movement of troops, equipment and ammunition through continental Europe is of key importance, since the majority of NATO forces are based in the west, and the eastern flank of the Alliance is the potential deployment zone. However, the current road and rail infrastructure does not meet the necessary requirements.
Alexander Solfranc, head of the new Bundeswehr Operational Command, responsible for preparing Germany for a central role in such an operation, emphasizes that each element must function “like a Swiss watch”. He adds that the goal is to send a clear signal of restraint to Moscow: “We know what you are planning and we are ready. Look, we're here.
According to estimates by NATO diplomats, the initiative involves the movement of about 200,000 troops, nearly 1,500 tanks and more than 2,500 armored vehicles from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom across continental Europe.
“Military mobility is a key component of effective security and defense, and the right infrastructure helps allies ensure that forces are delivered to the right place at the right time“, a NATO official noted.
According to Alberto Maccola, CEO of the European Railway Industry Association (CER), however, Europe is still beginning to realize the scale of the challenges. “We need to check which tunnels in Europe are suitable for this“, he stressed.