Retired Lt Gen Ben Hodges at one time was commander of US forces in Europe, and he is puzzled as to why Rail Baltica tracks, which are the most important part of the project from a military point of view have still not been even partially installed. The fact is that such tracks would make it possible for NATO forces to arrive in the Baltic States as quickly as possible when necessary.
“You should be aware of the need for speed in this regard,” Hodgens said in an interview. “I’m really surprised that Rail Baltica is still unfinished. Part of the project could have been completed, and from the military perspective, the important part is the tracks – build them first. After that we can think about beautiful rail stations, but that is not a priority. The priority is to ensure that NATO forces can move around as quickly as possible and arrive in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia when needed. Deal with that first!”
The former commander of US forces in Europe added that logistics in Europe have improved in recent years, but “moving forces in a short time from Bavaria to Lithuania, for example, is still a challenge.”
Hodges spoke to the LETA news agency on the sidelines of the Riga Conference, which is a security and foreign policy forum.
“A lot has been done, of course, compared to two or four years ago,” he said in discussing the Rail Baltica project. “The problem is that we still don’t have enough ammunition, we still don’t have enough air defence, and it still takes too long to move forces from one place to another. Those are all important factors.”
Training must continue to figure out areas in which improvements are needed, he added.
“Every Latvian soldier needs to know where he or she must go in accordance with war plans,” the retired officer declared. “We’ve finally received planning approval and Latvia will soon have detailed plans for its role in NATO’s common defence. Once these are received, the various activities will have to be polished up.”
Asked whether people in Latvia could feel safer now than two years ago, Hodges said that the threat of a military invasion never disappears, but two years ago people simply did not believe that one would be possible.
“I think that you can feel safer now,” the officer said “First of all, NATO has improved its planning, and its command structure has been strengthened considerably. Finland and Sweden are now in the alliance, and the Canadian-led battle group is here on standby. Latvia itself has good, hard-working officers, and your Ministry of Defence has done all the right things.”
Lt Gen Hodges insisted that the fact that Finland and Sweden are now part of NATO means that it is much easier to ensure security in the Baltic Sea. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are now alongside friendly waters.
“Ukraine has seriously damaged Russian forces, but if the US were to turn its back on Europe and Europe itself failed to stand united, then Russia could rebuild its forces in three or four years’ time,” the general concluded. “We need to keep our foot on its neck.”
Source: BNS
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