
France leads NATO’s transformation to counter Russia’s growing military threat.
At a Glance
- France is spearheading NATO’s military readiness against potential Russian aggression
- Large-scale exercise ‘Dacian Spring 2025’ aims to test rapid deployment capabilities
- NATO adopts “back to the future” strategy of forward defense and deterrence
- Challenges remain in military mobility, spending, and industrial capacity
France’s Pivotal Role in NATO’s Eastern Flank
As tensions between NATO and Russia continue to escalate, France is taking a leading role in bolstering the alliance’s eastern defenses. The French army is set to participate in a large-scale military exercise in Romania, dubbed ‘Dacian Spring 2025’, which will test their ability to swiftly mobilize forces to NATO’s eastern flank. This exercise is a crucial step in France’s military transformation to face the growing Russian threat.
The goal of this ambitious exercise is to demonstrate the capability to deploy a war-ready brigade to Romania within just 10 days. This forms part of a broader strategy to be able to deploy an entire division in 30 days by 2027, significantly enhancing NATO’s rapid response capabilities in the face of potential Russian aggression.
“We used to play war. Now there’s a designated enemy, and we train with people with whom we’d actually go to war,” the head of the army’s land command for Europe, General Bertrand Toujouse, told reporters on Friday. – Source
NATO’s Strategic Shift
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has fundamentally altered the dynamics between NATO and Russia, compelling the alliance to adapt its strategies, command structure, and capabilities. NATO has adopted what it calls a “back to the future” approach, reverting to a strategy of forward defense and deterrence reminiscent of Cold War tactics.
This shift in strategy has led to significant progress in several key areas. NATO members have increased defense spending, reinforced forward defense positions, developed high-readiness forces, and improved command and control structures. The integration of Finland and Sweden into the alliance has further strengthened NATO’s position in Northern Europe.
“NATO members can and should do more to ensure it can continue to deter Russia from attacking the Alliance under the cover of nuclear threats or even use of nuclear weapons.” – Source
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the progress made, NATO faces several challenges in its efforts to deter Russian aggression. One of the most pressing issues is the need to improve military mobility across Europe. As General Pierre-Eric Guillot, deputy head of the army’s land command for Europe, pointed out, “There is still no military Schengen, and we need to decisively improve military mobility in Europe.”
Another significant concern is the speed at which Russia is reconstituting its military capabilities. Some experts predict that Russia could reach peak military readiness as early as 2025-26, potentially outpacing NATO’s preparedness. This underscores the urgent need for NATO to prioritize rearmament and close the gap in military capabilities.
Furthermore, NATO must address ongoing challenges related to defense spending, industrial capacity, and capability gaps. The alliance needs to ensure that all member states are contributing their fair share to collective defense efforts and that the defense industry can meet the increased demand for military equipment and supplies.
As NATO continues to adapt to the evolving security landscape, the role of France and other key allies will be crucial in maintaining a credible deterrent against Russian aggression. The success of exercises like Dacian Spring 2025 and the continued transformation of NATO’s military capabilities will be essential in ensuring the alliance’s readiness to face future challenges in an increasingly unstable world.
Sources:
- France’s army faces deterrence test against Putin’s Russia
- NATO-Russia dynamics: Prospects for reconstitution of Russian military power
- More Pillars Needed: Ten Options for Europe to Improve NATO’s Nuclear Deterrence