Category Archives: NATO

Allies agreed NATOs civil and military budgets for 2024 at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Wednesday (13 December 2023). The civil budget is set at 438.1 million, and the military budget is set at 2.03 billion, representing a 18.2% and 12% increase respectively over 2023.

NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoan highlighted that increasing and broadening the use of NATO common funding allows Allies to more effectively address shared security challenges. Common funding demonstrates Allied solidarity and collective will. In turbulent times, we need this more than ever, he said.

At the Madrid Summit in 2022, Allies agreed to invest more together in NATO, in response to rising global competition and threats to Euro-Atlantic security caused by Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. At the Vilnius Summit in 2023, NATO leaders took further steps to strengthen NATOs deterrence and defence and committed to ensuring that these decisions are adequately resourced. They reaffirmed their enduring commitment to a strong transatlantic bond, unity and cohesion at a critical time for global peace and security.

NATOs civil budget provides funds for personnel, operating costs, and programme expenditures of NATOs Headquarters and its international staff. The military budget covers the operating costs of NATO Command Structure headquarters, missions, and operations around the world. NATOs third principal common funded element is the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP), which covers major construction, and command and control system investments. The 2024 ceiling for the NSIP is 1.3 billion, representing a 30% increase over 2023.

Common-funded budgets strengthen NATO, providing major capabilities, enabling deterrence, defence and interoperability, and supporting consultation and decision-making at the highest levels. NATO is committed to providing security in a way that is effective, transparent, and financially responsible.

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NATO agrees 2024 Budgets, demonstrating Allied Solidarity - Sarajevo Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. After indicating that it will not publish final rules to ban menthol cigarettes and characterizing flavors in cigars until at least March 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to face opposition from a variety of sources. This time, the pushback is coming from the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO).

Last week, NATO met with representatives from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Executive Office of the President, the FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to advocate that the final rulings not be published.

In its meeting with federal officials, NATO argued publication of the rulings would:

It also argued that licensed and regulated retailers, like NATO's members, sell tobacco products responsibly and are in compliance with all laws and regulations, which already prevents youth access to menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.

In October more than a year after theFDA first announcedits intention to ban menthol the group submitted a final product standardthat would prohibit the use of menthol in cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and heated tobacco products to the OMB for final review. This is step eight of the nine-step federal rulemaking process.During the review process, OMB evaluates whether to clear the rule for final publication or send it back to FDA for further review.

During the review process, the Administration and federal agencies evaluate the rules and meet with interested stakeholders to consider policy arguments around the cost and benefits of the rules, among other topics.According to OMB's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website dashboard, OMB has taken or scheduled more than 50 meetings through Jan. 11, 2024, with tobacco retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, trade associations, policy groups, tobacco control organizations and other stakeholders.

[Read more:Small Operator Trade Groups Rally Against Proposed Menthol Ban]

The FDA's Center for Tobacco Products has stated that finalizing these rules remains a top priority for the agency.If these rules are finalized, they will likely not be effective for at least one year following publication.This effective date could be further delayed if the rules are challenged in court by the industry, NATO reported.

The FDA previously targeted August 2023 for publication of the final rules.

NATO is a national trade association organized to enhance the common business interests of all tobacco retailers, and to monitor and assist members in responding to tobacco-related legislation on the local, state and federal levels.

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NATO Raises Concerns Over Proposed Menthol Ban With Federal Officials - CSNews Online

In the US, several initiatives have been launched to help the armed services connect and contract with startups working on promising technologies. But, Murray explained, If only the US does this, are the other allies going to be left behind? Can we level up the rest of NATO?

In laying the groundwork for the new NATO programs, Murray said, NATO officials visited organizations around the world that were set up to support startups, including MassChallenge, a startup competition based in Boston, MITs The Engine venture capital fund and startup incubator, and an Air Force backed startup accelerator program, AFWERX, which operated in Boston for several years. They also spoke with investors at IQT, a venture capital fund affiliated with the CIA, which has a Waltham office.

NATO, headquartered in Brussels, likes acronyms. So, its startup scouting and funding activities have introduced two new ones: DIANA, the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, and NIF, the NATO Innovation Fund. Both will hunt for startups developing so-called dual use technologies those that may have applications in both business and the world of government and military entities.

The DIANA accelerator posts challenges to attract startups with a specific focus; among the initial challenges was one focused on energy resilience, which includes ways to supply power that would not be disrupted by natural disasters or cyber attacks. (About 1,300 startups applied for the first round this year, Murray said.)

The startups chosen for the accelerator each receive a grant of 100,000 Euros about $108,000 access to testing centers located in NATO member countries, and six months of mentorship and training as they develop their products. Some of that activity will take place at five accelerator programs in NATO countries. One of those is MassChallenge.

MassChallenge CEO Cait Brumme said the NATO startup founders will be able to choose which of the five sites they feel will be most helpful. The program will run from January through June of next year, after which the startups will be eligible for a second round of grant funding. (Participating entrepreneurs dont have to give up any equity in their company in either of the first two rounds.)

MassChallenge worked with MIT and Starburst, an aerospace-focused accelerator program, to develop a curriculum for the startups that will be used at all five of the sites, Brumme said. The curriculum focuses on topics such as understanding what dual-use is, how you work within the NATO context, and how you navigate Department of Defense entities, she said.

Another Bostonian, Bernadette Johnson, spent 2023 in London helping DIANA sort through the 1,300 applications and choose the 44 winners. Johnson is a longtime executive at MITs Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, which develops technology for national security.

The NATO Innovation Fund is set up separately from DIANA, although it may in the future invest in startups that participate in the accelerator program. Murray, a dual citizen of the US and United Kingdom, serves as vice chair of that fund.

Its first pool of capital, one billion Euros, came from 23 NATO member countries not including the US. The three biggest contributors were the UK, Germany, and Italy.

While any startup based in a NATO country is eligible for the Diana program, the NIF will only invest in startups located in the 23 countries that put money into the fund.

The US did not contribute to the first NIF fund fund, but may invest in subsequent funds, said Murray, the associate dean at MIT. The NIF will invest in the early years of a startups life what is called seed or Series A investing and will look for investment opportunities not just in well-established ecosystems like London and Amsterdam.

The NIF is an effort to take the traditional VC model and adapt it to this extremely important mission and purpose supporting defense, security, and the resilience agenda in todays very complex geopolitical world, Murray said.

Among the NIF investors is Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky, who is based in London. In terms of areas where NIF is hunting for potential investments, he said, one major trend that we see is the use of drones in recent conflicts, and more specifically, in Russias war against Ukraine. The fund is also interested in approaches to defend against biological threats and cryptography that will be able to keep data secure once powerful quantum computers are deployed to break codes.

The fund hasnt yet made its first investment, Schneider-Sikorsky said, but that should happen imminently.

NATO was created in 1949 to counter the threat to European democracies from the Soviet Union. As the organization approaches its 75th birthday next year, NIF and Diana are two experiments in sourcing technology and supporting startups that will be worth watching.

Scott Kirsner can be reached at kirsner@pobox.com. Follow him @ScottKirsner.

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NATO scouts for defense startups with help of three Boston women - The Boston Globe

1. Russia-Ukraine war: matter of time before Ukraine becomes official Nato ally, says Zelenskiy as it happened  The Guardian
2. Ukrainian forces are 'gradually gaining ground,' NATO chief says  Reuters
3. NATO used to fret over Russia's threat against the Suwaki Gap. The threat is now smaller than ever  Euronews

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Russia-Ukraine war: matter of time before Ukraine becomes official Nato ally, says Zelenskiy as it happened - The Guardian

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey said in comments reported on Tuesday that Turkey would approve Swedens bid to join the NATO military alliance if the United States went ahead with a sale of F-16 fighter jets and related technology to Turkey.

If they keep their own promises, our parliament will keep the promise given, Mr. Erdogan told reporters while returning to Turkey from a trip to Azerbaijan.

Sweden and Finland both applied to join NATO after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, a process that requires the approval of all of the alliances members.

After months of delay, Mr. Erdogan agreed to allow Finland to join, which it did in April. But he has continued to hold out on Sweden, saying that the country harbors Turkish dissidents that his government considers terrorists.

After months of frustration, other NATO members thought a breakthrough had been achieved at the alliances summit in July in Vilnius, Lithuania, when it was announced that Turkey had agreed to approve Swedens bid. But Mr. Erdogan continued to say that Sweden needed to do more before the Turkish parliament would vote on the issue after its summer recess.

The parliament resumes in October, but it remains unclear when and if the Sweden vote will be scheduled.

In his comments on Tuesday, Mr. Erdogan explicitly linked the sale by the United States of F-16s to Turkey to its support for Swedens NATO bid, even though United States officials have repeatedly portrayed the two issues as separate. Mr. Erdogan said that if the United States goes through with the sale, it will fall to the Turkish parliament to approve Swedens bid.

Mr. Erdogans Justice and Development Party and its political allies hold a parliamentary majority, and most analysts say that if Mr. Erdogan decides to let Sweden in, the vote would be a mere formality.

The only other NATO nation that has yet to approve Swedens accession is Hungary, but Hungarian officials have said they would follow Turkeys lead.

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Erdogan says Turkey's parliament will ratify Sweden's entry into NATO if the U.S. sells Turkey fighter jets. - The New York Times

The North Atlantic Council met today (29 September 2023) to discuss the situation in Kosovo. Allies expressed their deep concern about the increasing tensions in northern Kosovo.

NATOs KFOR mission maintains a visible and agile presence across Kosovo. We will always take all necessary actions to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people living in Kosovo. We do so impartially and in line with our UN mandate.

Since May, we have enhanced KFORs presence and posture. Only yesterday the North Atlantic Council authorised additional forces to address the current situation.

We will always continue to make sure that our Commander has the resources and flexibility necessary for KFOR to fulfil its mandate. We stand ready to make further adjustments to KFORs posture as required.

KFOR continues to coordinate closely with all relevant stakeholders in Belgrade and Pristina, as well as EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), the OSCE, the UN Mission to Kosovo, and the diplomatic community.

We call on all parties to urgently de-escalate. We continue to urge Belgrade and Pristina to engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue, as the only way to resolve outstanding issues and reach solutions that respect the rights of all communities. This is key for lasting security in Kosovo and stability in the region.

Read more here:
Secretary General statement on the situation in Kosovo - NATO HQ

NATO will temporarily deploy Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) surveillance planes to iauliai, Lithuania. The first of two aircraft will arrive on Thursday (28 September 2023) and will fly missions to monitor Russian military activity near the Alliances borders.

Russias war of aggression against Ukraine has increased our focus on the security environment in the Baltic Sea region, said acting NATO Spokesperson Dylan White. Our AWACS can detect aircraft and missiles hundreds of kilometres away, making them a key early warning capability for NATO. I thank Lithuania for hosting the aircraft. Thisis an important contribution to our shared security.

In response to Russias war in Ukraine, NATO has boosted its air presence in the eastern part of the Alliance using fighter jets, surveillance planes and tankers. In the wake of Russian drone strikes near NATO territory, the United States last week deployed four additional F-16 fighter aircraft to Romania to enhance NATOs air policing mission. Since February 2022, NATO AWACS have conducted hundreds of flights over Eastern Europe to monitor Russian warplanes.

The AWACS will start their reconnaissance flights over Alliance territory in the coming days. The mission is scheduled to last several weeks. The aircraft belong to a fleet of 14 NATO-owned surveillance aircraft based in Geilenkirchen, Germany. Around 150 military personnel will deploy to iauliai in support of the aircraft.

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NATO deploys AWACS surveillance jets to Lithuania - NATO HQ

WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met Wednesday with the ambassadors from NATO member countries in the U.S. Capitol.

It was a pleasure to host the ambassadors from NATO member countries to discuss the important and enduring role of this alliance. As we discussed in the meeting, this alliance is rooted in the shared values that unite our nations, including democracy, the rule of law, and basic freedoms. At the July summit in Vilnius, we were pleased to see that the alliance identified both Russia and China as major challenges. We hope to see further development of a strategy to effectively counter China that recognizes Chinas and Russias partnership presents a serious threat to our security and basic way of life. The vital contributions that NATO members have made to the defense of Ukraine in the face of Russias unwarranted aggression are a testament to the clarity of purpose of this alliance and the resolve we share.

We both strongly believe that NATO is the most successful political-military alliance in the history of the world. However, there are always ways we can improve our collective security. For NATO to be ready to face the challenges of tomorrow, each member must fulfill its pledge to spend 2% GDP on meaningful, forward-looking improvements to its defense.

Ahead of the NATO Summit that the United States will host in Washington, D.C. next summer, we must continue our robust discussion of Ukraines future in NATO. We are glad we have officially welcomed Finland as a member of NATO and look forward to welcoming Sweden as soon as possible.

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Risch and Cardin Meet with NATO Ambassad... - Senate Foreign Relations Committee

On 27 and 28 September 2023, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer visited Israel upon invitation of the Chief of the General Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Hertzl Halevi. In Tel Aviv, Admiral Bauer met with President Yitzhak Herzog. The Chair also received a briefing from senior Israeli defence officials; spoke to the Israeli Defence Forces Senior Forum; visited the Gaza border crossing; and delivered a speech at the National Security College.

At the start of the visit, Admiral Bauer received a tour of the Gaza Division by the Commander, Brigadier General Avi Rosenfeld. The Admiral was briefed on their military capabilities and the use of artificial intelligence and robotics to monitor border crossings. The Gaza Division has unique expertise in underground counterterrorism. Admiral Rob Bauer was then welcomed by the Chief of the General Staf of the Israeli Defence Force, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, at the HaKirya base, where the Ministry of Defence and Israeli Defence Forces Headquarters are located. Discussions centred on military innovation, terrorism and emerging security challenges. Admiral Bauer: The ability to fight todays wars as well as prepare for those of tomorrow is fundamental to NATOs deterrence and defence posture. Working with our close partner Israel to counter emerging security challenges and seek out innovative military capabilities helps both of us maintain the military edge against adversaries.

On Thursday 28 September, Admiral Bauer was received by the President of Israel, Mr. Yitzhak Herzog. The Chair noted how important Israels advanced capabilities are to NATO and that the combination of having a political dialogue and working on military interoperability is a crucial component of our relationship. President Herzog stated that now is the perfect time for Israel to strengthen its strategic alliance with NATO.

NATO and Israel have worked together for almost 30 years in domains such as science and technology, counter terrorism, civil preparedness, countering weapons of mass destruction and women, peace and security.

Over the last years, cooperation has grown. In this respect, the new Individually Tailored Partnership Program for Israel will provide an important opportunity to determine Israels strategy for the future of our partnership, especially fostering cooperation in the areas of climate change, innovation and technology.

The Chair had the privilege of visiting the office of David Ben-Gurion, the primary national founder of the State of Israel and its first Prime Minister.

After a strategic briefing by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), Admiral Bauer addressed the IDF Senior Forum providing a comprehensive overview of NATOs adaptation of its deterrence and defence posture and the recently endorsed DDA family of plans. These are the most comprehensive defence plans NATO has had since the end of the Cold War. Not only do they integrate national defence plans and NATO defence plans to an unprecedented level; they also provide a much more precise demand signal from NATO and will shape our armed forces for decades to come.

Admiral Bauer also briefed the National Security College, located in Herzliya, Here, he spoke about the bond that binds NATO and Israel together: NATO Allies share many of the concerns that Israel has. We see authoritarian regimes posing challenges to our security, both in Europe and in the Middle East. Over the last year, our cooperation has further grown. As the Deputy Secretary General, Mircea Geoana said when he visited a few weeks ago; we are marking a new beginning in our partnership towards our renewed and reinforced partnership. Indeed, further cooperation is planned in areas such as climate change, innovation, and new technologies. We, Israel and NATO, are better off tackling common threats and security challenges together.

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Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Israel - NATO HQ

1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, supporting 3rd Infantry Division, demonstrate M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operations to multinational troops comprising NATOs enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Estonia during a live-fire exercise at Central Training Area, Estonia, Sept. 27, 2023. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cesar Salazar Jr.) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Cesar Salazar Jr.) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, supporting 3rd Infantry Division, demonstrate M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operations to multinational troops comprising NATOs enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Estonia during a live-fire exercise at Central Training Area, Estonia, Sept. 27, 2023. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cesar Salazar Jr.) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Cesar Salazar Jr.) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, supporting 3rd Infantry Division, demonstrate M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operations to NATOs enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Estonia allies during a live-fire exercise at Estonian Central Training Area, Estonia, Sept. 27, 2023. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cesar Salazar Jr.) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Cesar Salazar Jr.) VIEW ORIGINAL

TAPA, Estonia A U.S. Army-led High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire exercise demonstrated the weapons systems capabilities and enhanced allied interoperability with NATO allies in Estonia, Sept. 27.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Task Force Voit, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, supporting the 3rd Infantry Division, demonstrated M142 HIMARS operations to multinational troops comprising NATOs enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Estonia during the live-fire exercise at the Estonian Defense Forces Central Training Area.

The Task Force Voit Soldiers demonstrated the capabilities of the HIMARS to NATO allies while conducting gunnery qualification on the system.

The live-fire demonstration followed months of multinational training, with Estonian troops training on the platform side-by-side with U.S. Soldiers in recent months at Camp Tapa, Estonia. The training also coincided with Estonian Defense Forces purchasing HIMARS from the U.S. late last year to enhance its militarys operational capabilities.

Maj. Jeremy Rathbun, the executive officer for 3-27th Field Artillery Regiment, said his unit has been cross-training with NATO allies since they arrived in Estonia in June. Some of this training took place in the week prior to the exercise, with U.S. and Estonian troops participating in a simulated contested environment HIMARS training scenario, according to Rathbun.

Rathbun said the live-fire exercise set a foundation for the 3-27th Field Artillery Regiments real-world HIMARS capabilities and its readiness for future missions, operations, and exercises with NATO partners.

Staff Sgt. Austin Quiones, a HIMARS crew section chief with 3-27th Field Artillery Regiment, said the HIMARS training with Estonians and the live-fire exercise increased his Soldiers readiness.

The training value for my crews participating in this exercise, like with my crew specifically, theyve never been overseas before; this is their first time, Quiones said. They get to see not only what its like to be overseas, but helping the allies as well, and seeing what theyre really doing this stuff for. [Its] not just checking a box that were certified this is real world stuff that were doing.

Quiones added that the HIMARS training also enhanced interoperability with U.S. allies.

Its important to train with our allies, especially when were in their country, Quiones said. If something were to happen, we need to be able to work together and efficiently. Even if something doesnt happen, were building these bonds with them. They can see that its not just our countries that are allies, were allies too, on a personal level.

Rathbun said the culminating live-fire demonstration shows the U.S. Armys unwavering commitment to its allies.

For them to come out here and witness the live-fire and the capabilities of the HIMARS platform is just a demonstration of our commitment to the mission here in Estonia, Rathbun said.

Task Force Voit Soldiers, who continue to train with NATO allies in the Baltic, support the 3rd Infantry Division-led Task Force Marne. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

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HIMARS crews demonstrate capabilities and cross-train with NATO ... - United States Army