“The NATO Summit that has just concluded delivered the decisions Estonia had hoped for and that will strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defence,” Tsahkna said. “One of the most important is the update of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence Plan, which enhances the Alliance’s ability to defend against all aerial threats, including drones.”
“The update also includes the transition from air policing to air defence and the strengthening of the corresponding capabilities in our region, as well as the designation of Ämari Air Base as an official NATO operational air base,” Tsahkna said. “These decisions will provide NATO with greater flexibility, faster response times and a higher level of readiness to protect Allies against aerial threats. The transition to an air defence mission introduces the possibility of active defensive operations: where necessary, aerial attacks can be intercepted using NATO’s full air defence system.”
According to the Foreign Minister, the Summit declaration is concrete and reflects all of Estonia’s key objectives, including a reaffirmation of the Alliance’s commitment to collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and the continued increase in defence investment.
“It is important for Estonia that the entire Alliance is united in recognising that Russia is, and will remain, the most serious and long-term threat to NATO, and that this threat requires continued strengthening of our deterrence and defence,” Tsahkna said.
“European Allies and Canada have invested a quarter of a trillion dollars more in defence over the past two years than previously, demonstrating their willingness to assume greater responsibility for European security. At the same time, the United States remains fully committed to the Alliance,” the Foreign Minister said.
“The Summit also saw the conclusion of numerous major contracts and announcements of joint procurement initiatives, all of which will help NATO meet its capability targets and address critical capability gaps,” the Foreign Minister added.
“For nearly 80 years, NATO has safeguarded peace and security in Europe and across the Atlantic. The decisions taken today in Ankara will ensure that it continues to do so,” said Tsahkna.
The Summit also reaffirmed NATO’s continued long-term military and political support for Ukraine.
“In light of Russia’s continued aerial attacks, it is important that the Allies discussed ways to maintain military support for Ukraine so that it can continue resisting the aggressor and a just and lasting peace is achieved in Europe,” said Tsahkna. He added that Allies agreed on $70 billion in support for Ukraine over this year and the next.
“At a time when the focus is on a stronger Europe and, consequently, a stronger NATO, we cannot overlook Ukraine’s role. The country with Europe’s strongest military belongs in NATO in order to make the Alliance stronger as a whole and secure lasting peace in Europe, because NATO membership is the best security guarantee,” Tsahkna said.
