In response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NATO activated elements of the NATO Response Force for the first time in a deterrence and defence role. Here are five things you should know about it.
Synopsis
In response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NATO activated elements of the NATO Response Force for the first time in a deterrence and defence role. The NRF is NATO’s designated force in readiness, on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to whatever crisis might face the Alliance. Allies contribute forces to the NRF, which can respond on land, in the air or at sea.
In 2014, following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, NATO bolstered the NRF with a spearhead unit, formally known as the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, or VJTF. The leadership of the VJTF rotates annually between Allies.
Transcript
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FIVE FACTS ABOUT THE NATO RESPONSE FORCE
1
IT’S READY 24/7, 365 DAYS A YEAR TO RAPIDLY RESPOND TO SECURITY CRISES ALLIES CONTRIBUTE FORCES ANNUALLY ON A ROTATING BASIS
2
IT CONSISTS OF LAND AIR SEA AND SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES
IT WAS FORMED AT THE PRAGUE SUMMIT IN 2002
4
IN 2014, IT WAS MODIFIED TO INCLUDE NATO’S SPEARHEAD UNIT
THE VERY HIGH READINESS JOINT TASK FORCE (VJTF)
5
THE NRF CAN DEPLOY ON DISASTER RELIEF MISSIONS
AS WELL AS CRISIS RESPONSE
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Music
“Processing Thoughts” by Theo Golding
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