That has been an issue for many years now and will take many years to change. The previous supreme commander even stated that the armed forces could only sustain a limited operation for one week. That stated was highly controversial at the time for some reason. He was even investigated for treason by the police.
Usually the NATO countries have temporary and sometimes permanent deployments in other countries. So it is to expect that in the near future, there will be e.g. US, French, Italian troops stationed in Finland or Sweden for some combined exercise over a few months and in rotation with other NATO countries. After the Russian invasion in Ukraine, the US moved troops of the 101st airborne to Romania, close to the border to Ukraine.
Which is the super cool living proof of NATO article 5. If one would the start an attack on Romania or in the example on Finland or Sweden, he would also attack other countries’ forces at the same time that are stationed there. So it’s not just a combined defence because of some letters on a paper. The troops are already there and would get attacked as well.
NATO will probably make sure that Finland and Norway are supplied with enough material/manpower so that they are able to buffer against any eastern flank attacks.
That has been an issue for many years now and will take many years to change. The previous supreme commander even stated that the armed forces could only sustain a limited operation for one week. That stated was highly controversial at the time for some reason. He was even investigated for treason by the police.
But now that they are part of NATO isn’t it irrelevant?
Worst case we’ll still need to hold our own until any reinforces would arrive so not really.
Usually the NATO countries have temporary and sometimes permanent deployments in other countries. So it is to expect that in the near future, there will be e.g. US, French, Italian troops stationed in Finland or Sweden for some combined exercise over a few months and in rotation with other NATO countries. After the Russian invasion in Ukraine, the US moved troops of the 101st airborne to Romania, close to the border to Ukraine.
Which is the super cool living proof of NATO article 5. If one would the start an attack on Romania or in the example on Finland or Sweden, he would also attack other countries’ forces at the same time that are stationed there. So it’s not just a combined defence because of some letters on a paper. The troops are already there and would get attacked as well.
Unless they deploy tens of thousands of troops most of the time that is more of a complement in the beginning and doesn’t really change what I said.
The type of deployment we see in Romania is more to show that “attack our friends you attack us too” in the spirit of article 5 as you said.
NATO will probably make sure that Finland and Norway are supplied with enough material/manpower so that they are able to buffer against any eastern flank attacks.
Joining NATO comes with a certain commitment to maintaining levels of military spending. Depends on if they reach the GDP bar or not.
Good point