North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
February 27, 2015
DSACEUR Discusses Hybrid Warfare during Visit to Albania
TIRANA, Albania: NATO’s current efforts to adapt to emerging hybrid challenges from the east and south were a focus of discussions between Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) General Sir Adrian Bradshaw and senior Albanian political and military officials during meetings in Tirana, Albania, on 26 and 27 February. During the visit, General Bradshaw met with the Albanian Deputy Prime Minister, the Foreign and Defence Ministers, the Military Chief of Defence, and other senior Albanian officials.
A main area of discussion included Alliance plans to enhance and restructure the NATO Response Force (NRF) into a division-sized force that can move at short notice in response to hybrid threats. A vital new part of the NRF will be the creation of a ‘Very High Readiness Joint Task Force’ (VJTF), a multinational brigade of approximately 5,000 troops, with up to five manoeuvre battalions, supported by air, maritime and special forces. Some elements will be ready to move within two to three days, at the first indication of hybrid or conventional warning signs.
“NATO nations are resolute in their determination to respond to emerging security challenges from both the south and east, as evidenced by our ongoing and robust assurance measures, and our rapid establishment of an interim VJTF capability,” said General Bradshaw. “Every single Ally, no matter how large or small, is committed to the implementation of NATO’s Readiness Action Plan and I am pleased that Albania is contributing to our largest collective training event for 2015, Exercise Trident Juncture,” he said.
During the visit, DSACEUR also had the opportunity to visit an Albanian Special Forces unit and observe a military training exercise. He also had occasion to interact with soldiers and officers serving with the Albanian military.
“Albania is a relatively new member of NATO, and its troops have already made significant contributions to NATO operational missions,” said General Bradshaw. “Your ongoing efforts in Afghanistan on RESOLUTE SUPPORT and in Kosovo with KFOR and in BiH with EUFOR have been outstanding, and your contributions to last year’s NATO Response Forces were deeply appreciated,” he added.
Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office
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