Meanwhile, Estonia’s top military commander said NATO had underestimated Russia’s ammunition production and troop recruitment capabilities.
On Wednesday, Estonian Defense Forces Commander Martin Hellem said new information prompted a reassessment among NATO allies and a flurry of warnings to prepare for a long-term conflict in Ukraine.
He said President Vladimir Putin’s military could produce millions of shells a year, far exceeding European efforts, and could recruit hundreds of thousands of new soldiers.
General Patrick’s comments were welcomed by the defense team.
General Lord Dannatt, former Secretary of the Army, said that General Patrick was right to propose a scenario in which “if we are faced with a challenge, we must all participate as citizens and utilize the nation’s human resources.” said.
“If the international situation worsens with this country at war, fighting with 75,000 soldiers will become unsustainable,” he said. “The regular army fights in the opening battle, and the citizen army comes later and puts on the military uniform. We saw that in World War I and World War II,” he said. “That’s the reality, and it’s the reality of having these conversations. I would never criticize the Chief of Staff for doing that.”
Tobias Ellwood, former chairman of the Defense Select Committee, said: “The recognition that the world is heading in a dangerous direction and that is now impacting our economy, first in the Black Sea and now in the Red Sea.” We have to have that,” he said. Ocean.
“The era of post-Cold War instability has ended, and a new chapter has begun in which new alliances of adversaries will test the cowardice of the West. This can only continue if we strengthen our defense posture.”
