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7h ago

European Commanders Warn of a Gray-Zone Threat as Calls Grow for Societal Readiness

Fresh warnings are colliding with a divided public mood across Europe.

A U.S. M109 Paladin howitzer drives off the vessel Liberty Peace during offloading operations at the port of Koper, Slovenia on December 28, 2024. This Reception, Staging, and Onward Movement (RSOM) operation in the port of Koper is bringing in 1-3ID, the next Regionally Aligned Force (RAF), into the European Theater. These forces will be then transported by the 21st Theater Sustainment Command to their forward operating sites across NATO where they will conduct interoperability training with Allies and partners. The intent of these RAFs is to assure our allies and deter all adversaries.
M1A2 Abrams Tanks from A Company, 2-116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team (CBCT), Idaho Army National Guard run through field exercises on Orchard Combat Training Center (OCTC).
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Overview

  • France’s armed forces chief Gen. Fabien Mandon urged the country to be ready to “accept losing our children,” prompting swift political pushback from figures including Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
  • NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Britain’s Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said security cannot rest on the military alone and pressed for whole-of-society preparation.
  • A December poll across nine countries showed sharp east–west splits, with 77% of Poles seeing a high risk of war versus 34% of Italians, and an average 69% doubting their nation could defend itself.
  • Officials cite continued gray-zone pressure—such as Baltic cable incidents and airspace probes—yet Estonia’s spy chief argues Russia still respects NATO if European investment in defense endures.
  • European rearmament is accelerating, bolstered by Sweden and Finland joining NATO, growing defense budgets, and deeper industry collaboration even as transatlantic politics grow more strained.