US Backs NATO's Rapid Response Force

United States Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Monday that his country would provide special operations forces, intelligence and other high-end military assets to a new NATO rapid response force.

The military bloc plans to deploy the special unit to countries neighboring Russia, in what Moscow considers a threat to its existence.

“We do not seek a cold, let alone a hot war with Russia. We do not seek to make Russia an enemy...but make no mistake: we will defend our allies, the rules-based international order, and the positive future it affords us all,” said Carter.

The U.S. defense secretary met in Germany with European officials representing countries which will help in putting together NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).

 

SecDef Carter with Ministers of Defense from Germany, Netherlands and Norway, at 1st DEU/NDL Corps @USNATO pic.twitter.com/LkgN1XVcCL

— Eileen Lainez (@E_Lainez) junio 22, 2015

The U.S. support would include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets - which can include drones or manned aircraft - as well as special operations forces and logistical expertise.

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Carter further added that Washington's pledge would include airlift and precision joint fire capabilities, which could mean anything ranging from land-based artillery to air support or naval firepower. 

“The United States will not let Russia drag us back to the past,” added Carter.

The VJTF will focus in developing responses to “hybrid warfare,” a term used to describe a blend of elements to covertly attack a country, such as unidentified troops, propaganda and economic pressure.

Western leaders believe this type of warfare is being used by Russia against Ukraine.