NATO defense ministers agree on new principles for alliance's military planning for defense and deterrence

RIGA - NATO defense ministers today in Brussels adopted new principles for the alliance's military planning in order to ensure defense and deterrence, LETA learned from the Latvian Defense Ministry.

Defense Minister Inara Murniece (National Alliance) addressed NATO colleagues, saying that the new political guidelines for defense planning are much closer to the operational planning and the current threats.

"We expect that the new approach will help us achieve greater progress on operational level and promote strengthening NATO military capabilities for adequate defense and deterrence," said Murniece.

Ministers also discussed ways to boost industrial capacity and replenish stockpiles of armaments and munitions. Munition consumption in Ukraine currently is several times larger than industrial capacity of NATO member states.

"NATO currently is doing more than ever for the good of collective defense. We see that it is necessary to strengthen military industry, ensure uninterrupted supplies and further support to Ukraine," the minister said.

The ministers discussed the progress in relation to NATO Madrid summit decisions. Murniece said that it is important to make sure until NATO Vilnius summit that the progress and decisions confirm the alliance's ability to ensure strong and clear deterrence and defense against any threats.