On May 11 through 12 the Northern CHODs Conference held in the Palace of Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Vilnius, pulled together the military leaders of the region and the Allies for a thorough discussion on the European Security, defence of the NATO eastern flank and adaptation to modern warfare.
The event was held under patronage of Commander, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus D. Grynkewich and Chief of Defence of Lithuania General Raimundas Vaikšnoras. The Northern CHODs Conference was attended by Chiefs of Defence and senior military representatives from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden.
“The transatlantic bond and close cooperation with our Allies, as well as strategic partners, is among the key elements of NATO deterrence and defence of today. Such discussion to adapt to the shifting battlefield, share real-life lessons and strengthen mutual readiness to act together in a faster, more coordinated and centralised manner. Today, the eastern flank remains the first defence line of the Alliance making interoperability, speed and unified approach critical,’ said Chief of Defence Lithuania General Raimundas Vaikšnoras.
The discussions were centred significantly on evaluating regional threats, lessons learned from the Russian war on Ukraine, strengthening NATO deterrence and defence, and Allied readiness for joint response in case of a crisis or conflict. Other topics addressed were the threats of a long-term and wide-scope conflict, acceleration of defence acquisitions, development of military logistic capabilities, and strengthening the integrated defence architecture on NATO’s eastern flank.
A separate focus was put on the operational implementation of the NATO eastern flank Defence Line, coordination of Allied forces, compatibility of military mobility, logistical and regional defence plans. Advanced technology, uncrewed system and counter-drone capability integration, as well as adaptation of the militaries to the quickly changing battlefield realities was were also discussed.
Participants of the Conference underscored the importance of the United States’ role in strengthening the security of Europe and the Baltic region. The event was also attended by guest delegations from the U.S. National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) in Illinois (partnered with Poland), Maryland (partnered with Estonia), Minnesota (partnered with Norway), New York (partnered with Sweden), Pennsylvania (partnered with Lithuania), and Virginia (partnered with Finland).
The Northern CHODs Conference is an important platform that supports coordination among the countries and Allies in the region, facilitates stronger ties and helps ensure a unified response to modern security challenges.
Photo credits: Sgt Spc Karolis Kavolėlis.
