Defense alliance is a collective defense agreement based on the principle that any attack against one member of the group, in whatever form, must be considered as an attack against all members, and should trigger a joint response. The Alliance is a mutual defence treaty, meaning the members of the military alliance pledge to defend each other.
Collective defense alliances can enhance the defensive posture of individual nations by sharing capabilities, conducting joint training exercises and intelligence activities and coordinating strategy. They can also help strengthen political ties, reduce the risk of conflict and support regional stability.
NATO’s defence capacity and capability continues to adapt in the face of new threats and challenges. Allies are focusing on building more robust defences by investing in the Alliance’s forward defences and enhancing the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture. They are enhancing the Alliance’s ability to operate jointly, including through stronger integrated air and missile defence, and strengthening the readiness and interoperability of the Alliance’s forces. Allies are also boosting their defence production capacities to deliver the critical capabilities needed for collective defence.
Allies remain committed to the defence of their citizens and a rules-based international order, including effective arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. They are united in their resolve to counter the asymmetric threat of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations. They are also united in their determination to defend the Alliance from Russia’s malign actions, including through joint military operations like Operation Eastern Sentry.
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