NATO Nuclear Planning Group agrees to modernize deterrence capabilities

The Nuclear Planning Group (NPG) of NATO has agreed to modernize the alliance's nuclear capabilities, aiming to bolster its deterrence posture. The decision, made during a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, underscores the continued importance of nuclear forces in ensuring allied security.

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the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance remain the supreme guarantee of allied security and constitute the basis of NATO's extended deterrence architecture.

In a declaration following the meeting, the NPG reaffirmed that NATO's strategic nuclear forces remain the "supreme guarantee of allied security" and form the foundation of the alliance's "extended deterrence architecture." Ministers from all NATO member states, except France, participated in the agreement.

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continue to strengthen NATO's nuclear deterrence mission through the modernization of its nuclear capabilities, the strengthening of its nuclear planning capacity, and the necessary adaptation to achieve its security objectives.

These allies committed to enhancing NATO's nuclear deterrence mission by modernizing their nuclear capabilities, strengthening nuclear planning capacity, and making necessary adaptations to meet security objectives. The group emphasized that NATO maintains a "safe, secure, effective, and credible nuclear posture" to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression.

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maintains a safe, secure, effective, and credible nuclear posture to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression.

The participating allies also reiterated their dedication to sharing defense responsibilities, risks, and burdens. This includes investing in the resources, capabilities, and forces required to execute NATO's nuclear mission and demonstrate the alliance's unity and resolve. France, which pursues an autonomous nuclear policy, is not part of the NPG but has recently offered collaborations to extend its nuclear umbrella across Europe.

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reaffirmed their enduring commitment to share the responsibilities, risks and burdens of collective defence, investing in the resources, capabilities and forces necessary to carry out NATO's nuclear mission and demonstrate the Alliance's unity and determination.