Russian Military Modernization Poses Increased Threat to NATO

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The recent boost in Russia's military investments has increased the extent of the threat it poses to NATO and the United Kingdom, UK Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon said Tuesday.

"Clearly, Russia has invested in its armed forces and has modernized its armed forces, and to that extent the threat from Russia has increased. That is why we have to take account of that in looking at our own capabilities and our capacities," Fallon said.

Speaking at a UK parliament Defence Committee meeting dedicated to Russia's impact on the UK defense and security, the minister added that NATO had responded by preparing a readiness action plan and is set to prepare a readiness task force by 2017. The force is expected to comprise 5,000 personnel and be able to mobilize within hours, he noted, responding to questions by members of parliament regarding the alliance's readiness to counter alleged threats from Russia.

"Russia has a long history of investment in air defense systems, which requires us to respond in alliance terms for security as well as for defense in terms of electronic warfare. And Russia has a long history of investment in artillery systems. We also have our own artillery systems. But there is not doubt that the level of stockholding is significant," Air Chief Marshal and Chief of Defence Staff Designate Sir Stuart Peach said.

Relations between Russia and the United Kingdom deteriorated in 2014 amid the crisis in Ukraine. The European Union, the United States and their allies have introduced several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions since Crimea seceded from Ukraine and reunified with Russia in 2014 and Moscow was accused of meddling in the Ukrainian conflict. Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations.