Imagine a boxing match where one fighter is stronger, but the other has endless stamina. That’s the concern currently facing NATO regarding a potential long-term conflict with Russia. While the alliance boasts superior capabilities, its top maritime commander, Vice-Admiral Mike Utley, warns that it lacks the “resilience” for a sustained, drawn-out fight.
For months, European security officials have sounded the alarm: we need to prepare for the possibility of a serious confrontation. Russia’s increasing “hybrid attacks” – cyber threats, disinformation, and maritime probes – show the battlefield is far more complex than ever before. It’s not just about tanks and jets; it’s about protecting critical undersea infrastructure and defending against unseen digital assaults.
NATO nations have acknowledged this gap, recognizing the need to invest heavily in their defense capabilities. Yet, allocating the necessary funds takes time, and the world has many competing priorities. This challenge is further complicated by Russia’s partnerships with countries like China, Iran, and North Korea, and China’s own growing naval power which NATO now sees as a “systemic challenge” and an “enabler” of Russia’s actions.
The good news? Vice-Admiral Utley believes NATO is moving in the right direction. A new maritime strategy, updated for the modern era, aims to strengthen defenses across the board, from industrial cooperation to producing crucial munition stockpiles. The path ahead is complex and persistent, but the alliance is waking up to the demands of a genuinely different battle space.
