NATO finalises spearhead forces to counter 'Russian threat'

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NATO on Thursday confirmed that it would bolster its presence in eastern Europe to counter a perceived Russian threat against its Baltic members. Defence ministers met in Brussels to finalise the final details of a spearhead rapid response force that can be deployed at two days’ notice. NATO’s current Response Force can be deployed within a maximum of 30 days. The alliance will also set up six command centres across eastern Europe as well as a regional headquarters in Poland. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters: “That is about enhancing our NATO response force. The current size is about 13,000. I expect that they will decide on a force that will be around 30,000. And part of that enhanced NATO response force, I expect will be the establishment of this spearhead force, which I expect will be of a size of around 5,000.” The announcement acts upon a pledge at the alliance’s summit in Wales last September. Another issue being discussed on the sidelines of the