NATO to strengthen military presence in eastern flank

NATO has strengthened its eastern flank in Poland and Baltic countries, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday after the first day of Warsaw NATO Summit.

"We have made a decision regarding placement of four battalions in eastern flank of NATO -- in Poland and in Baltic countries," Stoltenberg said.

Canada will command the battalion placed in Latvia, Germany in Lithuania, Great Britain in Estonia, and the United States will command the battalion in Poland.

All NATO member countries will support the Alliance strengthened presence in eastern flank, Stoltenberg said. Four will be framework nations, four will act as hosts and the rest will support this undertaking with varied means.

During the first day of the summit, NATO also regarded cyberspace as a new operational zone and acknowledged the initial operational readiness of the anti-missile shield.

"We have acknowledged cyberspace a new operational zone, such as air space, land and sea space. This means better protection of our communications, our missions and operations, more attention put on exercises and planning in this field," Stoltenberg said.

The Alliance is strengthening its collective defensive in all of the fields, including increasing their cybernetic protection and information exchange.

NATO also acknowledged the initial operational readiness of the anti-missile shield. It means that NATO can officially take over control over the component of the missile defense system, located in Romania (Aegis Ashore). The system is aimed at efficient protection and reacting to the threats from outside the Europe.

The decisions were made during a session of the North Atlantic Council. Endit