NATO Robots vs Russia: Defense Strategy Shift

NATO wants to store significantly more weapons and ammunition on its eastern flank and at the same time build a new defense zone with robotic technology. As a senior officer told “Welt am Sonntag”, the main aim is to improve deterrence against Russia.

According to the information, the multi-stage defense concept envisages initially using high-tech to stop the advance of attackers. A section is to be created along the border with Russia and Belarus that will be protected primarily with surveillance and remote-controlled or partially automated systems – and that an enemy would first have to overcome before it can advance further.

Brigadier General Thomas Lowin, deputy chief of staff for operations at the NATO land command in Izmir, Turkey, told “Welt am Sonntag” that the surveillance technology along the eastern flank will consist of devices that collect data on the ground, in the air, in space or even in digital space. This information should then be available in real time to as many NATO countries as possible. Fixed and mobile devices could be used – such as radar systems, acoustic or optical sensors – but also data from satellites, drones and reconnaissance aircraft.

According to Lowin, a section should be created at the borders themselves in which attackers should be stopped or thwarted early. He described this area as “a kind of hot zone” whose goal was to break an enemy advance early. Armed drones, semi-autonomous combat vehicles, robots and automated air defense systems could be used for this purpose. “These interconnected systems are designed to quickly engage the enemy, disrupt their ability to operate, and reliably deprive them of combat power and initiative,” Lowin said.

At the same time, the brigadier general emphasized that there should be no weapons without human decision. According to rules of engagement and ethical standards, the decision about the use of weapons always remains a human responsibility.

Regarding the pre-storage of material, Lowin said this already exists. However, “noticeably larger stocks” are now being built up in the border states. This included, for example, weapons and ammunition depots for the defense systems in the automated zone, but also to equip the NATO armed forces.

According to Lowin, NATO also wants to “build a complex, multi-layered defense system along the border with Russia and Belarus and not only use conventional troops for defense, but also use obstacles and the use of technology to create a robotized or automated zone in the area close to the enemy, which the enemy then has to overcome first.”

According to Lowin, the armed forces should not be reduced despite automation. “Unmanned systems are the only way to permanently deter or stop an enemy,” he said. “In the end it’s always: soldiers against soldiers.”

The official name of the concept is “Eastern Flank Deterrence Line,” which translates to “deterrence line on the eastern flank.” According to Lowin, it also takes into account Ukraine’s experiences in its defense against Russia. The Member States are primarily responsible for implementation. According to information from the newspaper, the concept should be implemented by the end of 2027 if possible.