The NATO Chiefs of Defence met in Prague to implement Washington summit decisions

During the first session, Allied military leaders discussed the establishment of the new NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine command.
This will allow NATO to oversee training of Ukrainian armed forces at training facilities in Allied countries, support Ukraine through the planning and coordination of donations; manage transfer and repair of equipment and provide support to the long-term development of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Admiral Bauer, Chair of the Military Committee stated: “Every day, we grow more and more interoperable. Until one day, we will stand side by side under the NATO banner. Ukraine deserves our unrelenting support. Not only because of who they are as a people. But also because of who we are, as NATO.”

In the second session, Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher G. Cavoli, updated the Chiefs of Defence on the progress made in implementing NATO’s new defence plans, which are designed to strengthen NATO’s Warfighting capabilities and enhance its ability to deter and, if needed, defend against any potential threats. Over the past year, NATO put 500,000 troops on high readiness, established the Allied Reaction Force, adapted the command and control structure and ramped up the development and expansion of Allies’ military capabilities. In the coming year, more steps will be taken to increase the overall readiness of the Alliance.

The third session focused on warfighting transformation and was led by General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT). Among other topics, the Chiefs of Defence discussed the launch of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre (JATEC). This will focus on developing the Ukrainian Armed Forces' ability to defend, deter, and operate seamlessly with NATO forces, increasing Ukraine’s interoperability with NATO. "It is a step we are taking today for a better and lasting peaceful future together", General Lavigne stated.  Allied Chiefs of Defence also discussed the new capability targets under the NATO Defence Planning Process. Now that NATO and national defence plans are integrated on an unparalleled level, it is crucial that each Ally develops or expands the capabilities they have pledged to the Alliance.  

The Military Committee meets in Chiefs of Defence Session twice a year at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, and once a year a Conference is held by an Allied member state. The Military Committee convenes to discuss NATO operations, missions and activities and to provide the North Atlantic Council with unfettered, consensus-based military advice on how the Alliance can best address global security challenges. On a day-to-day basis, its work is carried out by the permanent Military Representatives at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.