NATO Would Target Russian Launch Sites in Response to an Attack, Says Admiral Rob Bauer

NATO would respond by targeting Russian launch sites if Russia were to attack, but the alliance will not strike first. This was stated by Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, during a discussion at the European Policy Centre.

Bauer emphasized that NATO countries need to invest more in air defense and long-range capabilities due to the ongoing threat from Russia. He expressed approval that NATO had raised the issue of long-range strike capabilities.

“Previously, the idea was that we are a defensive alliance, so we would wait until we are attacked. Once attacked, we could intercept missiles. But it’s more effective to not only intercept but also target the launchers in Russia if Russia attacks us,” Bauer explained.

“It is smarter not to sit and wait until we are attacked, but to target Russian launchers if they attack. We must deliver the first strike,” Bauer explained, stressing that NATO countries should focus on destroying the weapons systems used to target alliance members.

He stressed that NATO countries should focus on destroying the weapons systems used to target alliance members. As a defensive alliance, he said NATO may need to strike first if necessary.

However, Bauer noted that Russia is no longer as big a threat to NATO as it was in February 2022, due to the weakening of Russia’s military after more than two years of war.

Earlier, NATO intensified its preparations for a potential war with Russia, assigning Estonia a key role in the Alliance’s strategic framework. Estonia is tasked with enhancing its long-range strike capabilities, focusing on potential targets within Russia. Major General Vahur Karus, Chief of the Estonian Defense Forces, emphasized the importance of targeting specific Russian locations.