NATO is currently developing several alternative routes to deliver US troops and equipment to countries in the east flank in case of conflict with Russia. This was stated by the head of NATO's Joint Logistics and Support Command, German Lieutenant General Alexander Solfrank, to the British newspaper Telegraph, quoted by News.bg.
The main route runs from the large port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands via rail lines through Germany to Poland. However, NATO fears that this route could be disrupted in the event of Russian attacks on Rotterdam or other ports in northern Europe.
Solfrank admits that NATO may not have enough air defense systems to cover all logistics hubs.
"We have seen Russia attack logistics bases in Ukraine. This should lead to the conclusion that it is clear that large logistics bases, as we have known them since the time of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, are no longer possible because they will be attacked and destroyed at a very early stage of a conflict situation," the Telegraph quotes. the general's words.
"As for air defense... it is still not sufficient. I can't imagine a situation where there are enough air defense systems," he continues.
Now, he said, NATO planning is focused on developing alternative routes for the delivery of troops and equipment: if northern European ports fail, ports in Italy, Greece and Turkey are planned to be used.
The transfer of troops from Italy through Slovenia and Croatia to Hungary, which also borders Ukraine, and from Greece and Turkey through Bulgaria to Romania is planned.