Former Commander of the US Armed Forces in Europe Ben Hodges is confused as to why Rail Baltica railway track still hasn’t been even partially completed, considering this is the most important part of the project from a military standpoint, because it would allow NATO forces to arrive in Baltic States in the event of an emergency.
“You’d think they are aware it should be sped up. I am really surprised that Rail Baltica is still unfinished. Part of this project could have been realised already, and from a military point of view, the important part are the railway tracks themselves – build them first,” said the retired general.
“Worry about beautiful train stations afterwards – they are not the priority. The priority is to provide NATO forces with the ability to move as quickly as possible, to arrive in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia as quickly as possible. Deal with that first,” he suggested.
The former Commander of the US Armed Forces in Europe pointed out that the logistics situation in Europe has improved in recent years, but “moving forces in a short time, for example, from Bavaria to Lithuania, remains a challenge”.
Hodges described European countries’ readiness to respond to potential challenges as a trip in which we remain far from our destination.
“Of course, a great deal has been done compared to the situation two or four years ago. However, we still do not have enough ammunition, do not have enough air defence and still need too long to transfer forces from one place to another. These are all important factors,” Hodges told LETA during the security and foreign policy forum “Riga Conference”.
He stressed that drills need to continue to understand what kinds of improvements are still needed.
“Every Latvian trooper needs to know where he needs to go in accordance with war plans. We have finally received planning approval, and soon Latvia will receive detailed plans for its part in NATO’s joint defence. Once they are received, then these activities will need to be polished,” said the retired general.
When asked if people if Latvia feel safer than two years ago, Hodges said there is always a risk of military invasion – two years ago people simply did not believe it.
“I think you can feel safer now. Firstly, NATO has improved its planning, the command structure has been significantly strengthened, Finland and Sweden are now part of the alliance, and the Canadian-led battle group is now in combat readiness. Latvia itself has good, hard-working officers, and your Ministry of Defence has taken all the right steps,” said Hodges.
He stressed that after Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO, it has become much easier to achieve security in the Baltic Sea and Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have friendly waters behind them.
“Thanks to Ukraine, the Russian armed forces have suffered greatly. However, if the US turned its back on Europe, and Europe itself could not be united, then in three-four years’ time Russia would be able to recover. We must keep our heel on their throat,” said Ben Hodges.