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NATO has developed a land warfare concept outlining how the Alliance would respond to a major Russian attack on member states, including missile and drone strikes followed by a ground offensive, Bild reports.
The NATO Land Warfighting Concept focuses on stopping a Russian advance and significantly weakening Moscow’s military capabilities. The document was developed under the leadership of U.S. Army Major Andrew Pingrey.
First priority: stop missile strikes
According to Bild, a Russian attack on the Baltic states could involve missiles, drones and a ground offensive with tanks.
NATO’s first priority would be to suppress Russia’s missile attacks using fighter jets, missiles and drones capable of targeting Russian missile systems.
The scenario also reportedly includes strikes against the Kaliningrad region, where Russia has deployed significant air-defense and missile capabilities.
NATO plans an autonomous zone
At the borders with Russia and Belarus, NATO would establish an “autonomous zone” designed to create a buffer between Russian forces and Alliance troops.
The zone would rely primarily on drones and unmanned military vehicles, while NATO personnel would not be permanently stationed there.
If Russian troops continued advancing, unmanned systems would be used to slow and ultimately stop their offensive.
Military logistics inside Russia could be targeted
The next phase could involve strikes on military logistics infrastructure inside Russia.
Potential targets would include airfields, defense plants, bridges and railways used to move troops and supplies to the front.
The goal would be to disrupt Russian logistics and reduce Moscow’s ability to launch additional waves of attacks.
NATO could work with Putin’s opponents
The concept also reportedly envisions cooperation with Russians opposed to President Vladimir Putin.
One element involves an “air bridge” that could deliver drones and robotic systems into Russia. These systems could potentially be used against military bases and airfields.
The concept emphasizes that NATO would not seek to conquer Russia. Its objective would be to stop and push back invading Russian forces toward the Russian border.
Deterrence through transparency
NATO planners reportedly do not believe the concept must remain entirely secret. The logic is that deterrence can be more effective if a potential adversary understands the consequences of attacking a NATO member.
The concept therefore serves both as a military framework and as a warning to Moscow about the potential response to aggression against the Alliance.
Poland and other NATO members are already preparing for a possible Russian attack. Polish officials have warned of potential large-scale provocations, while Latvia says Russia has already launched a hybrid campaign against EU countries, including sabotage, arson and other attacks.
