Military alliances have long shaped global security, with NATO standing as one of the most powerful in history.
Created to deter threats and defend member nations, it has adapted to shifting geopolitical challenges.
But as tensions with Russia continue, questions are emerging about whether NATO is truly prepared for a large-scale war.
Steve Jermy, a former British Royal Navy commander, has outlined five key reasons why he believes NATO could struggle against Russia in a direct conflict, according to Ziare.
His concerns focus on industrial production, military deployment, defense infrastructure, force coordination, and decision-making speed.
A War Economy Gap
Unlike Russia, NATO countries have not fully shifted their economies toward war production.
Russia is currently producing more artillery shells, particularly the 155mm rounds crucial to Ukraine’s defense.
Jermy argues that if NATO members saw Russia as an immediate threat, they would have already increased their manufacturing capabilities.
Troop and Equipment Readiness
For NATO to counter Russia effectively, U.S. forces would need to be deployed in large numbers across Europe. Jermy questions whether NATO has the capability to move troops, supplies, and equipment at the speed required.
He also warns that NATO may not have enough naval strength to secure its supply lines from Russian submarines and naval mines.
Vulnerable Infrastructure
Airports, seaports, and military bases would be prime targets for Russian missile strikes.
Jermy highlights weapons like the Russian Oreshnik missile, which travels at speeds exceeding Mach 10, as a major concern.
He suggests that NATO’s missile defense systems may not be advanced enough to protect critical infrastructure.
A Disjointed Force
NATO is made up of multiple nations with varying levels of military technology, training, and combat readiness. Jermy believes these differences could create operational challenges in a large-scale war.
Additionally, NATO forces are still trained under pre-drone warfare strategies, leaving them potentially unprepared for modern battlefield conditions.
A Slow Decision-Making Process
Unlike Russia’s centralized command structure, NATO’s military actions require coordination between multiple governments. Jermy warns that this bureaucratic process could delay critical decisions during a conflict.
His analysis raises pressing questions about NATO’s ability to sustain a prolonged war.
While the alliance remains a dominant military force, its preparedness for a full-scale confrontation with Russia is far from certain.
