NATO has developed a plan for ground combat operations in the event of a large-scale attack by Russia

NATO has prepared a concept for ground combat operations in case of a large-scale attack by Russia on Alliance countries. The document describes the sequence of actions in the event of missile and drone strikes, as well as a ground offensive by Russian forces.

This is reported by Bild. The main aim of the concept is to stop the Russian offensive and significantly weaken Russia‘s military capabilities. The document was developed by Major United States Armed Forces Andrew Pingrey.

The scenario assumes that during an attack on the Baltic countries Russia may use missiles, drones and tank units. NATO’s first task should be to suppress missile strikes. To this end, they plan to employ fighters, missiles and unmanned systems capable of disabling Russian missile systems.

One of the key targets in that case is the Kaliningrad region, where a significant number of Russian air-defense and missile systems are deployed.

At the same time, on the borders with Russia and Belarus NATO plans to create an “autonomous zone”. It is meant to be a defensive barrier within which drones and unmanned ground vehicles would predominantly act against Russian forces. Alliance servicemembers are not planned to be deployed in this zone.

If Russian forces continue the offensive, unmanned systems are to hold them back and stop their advance.

The next phase could be striking targets on Russia‘s territory. Primarily this concerns military-logistics infrastructure facilities:

• airfields;
• factories;
• bridges;
• railways used to transport military resources.

The aim of such strikes would be to weaken supply lines and disrupt further waves of attacks.

Separately, the concept envisages enlisting Russians who oppose Vladimir Putin. For this, they plan to create an “air bridge” through which drones and robotic systems would be delivered into Russia for strikes on military targets.

At the same time, NATO emphasizes that the goal is not to conquer Russia. The Alliance seeks to stop the offensive forces and push them back to the borders of the Russian Federation.

“Deterrence works more effectively if a potential adversary knows what response they will receive in case of an attack,” the concept states.

The document is intended not only as a plan of action in case of war, but also as a warning to Russia about the consequences of aggression against NATO countries.

NATO is also discussing the deployment of US nuclear weapons in Poland, Finland and Lithuania.