Belgium will prepare 1,500 troops for rapid deployment within NATO's responsibility area by 2026.
"At the same time, a mechanized infantry battalion complete with all supporting units will be on alert for possible deployment in two waves if necessary," said Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, quoted by Sputnik, Saturday, December 13.
"In total, 1,500 military personnel will be ready to be deployed anywhere in the Euro-Atlantic region within zero to 30 days," Francken said in an interview with the La Libre newspaper on Friday.
In addition, Belgium will also deploy a squadron of F-16s to NATO's eastern wing near the Russian border in 2026, Francken said.
"In addition, Belgium (in 2026) will carry out two air patrol missions involving its F-16 fleet. The first detachment consisting of four F-16s, supported by about 100 soldiers, will be focused on the North Pole, operating from Iceland."
"The second detachment will be focused directly on the eastern wing and based in Lithuania or Poland - the final decision on this has not been made," he said.
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In recent years, Russia has denounced unprecedented NATO activity along its western borders. The alliance has expanded its initiative and called it "deterrence of Russian aggression."
Russian authorities have repeatedly expressed concern over the strengthening of the military-political bloc in Europe.
The Kremlin said Russia did not pose a threat to anyone, but would not ignore actions that could potentially harm its interests.
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