NATO Military Committee visits JFC Brunssum

On 28 March 2026, the NATO Military Committee visited Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFC Brunssum), in the Netherlands. The Allied Military Representatives were briefed on ongoing work strands and deliverables to be presented at the upcoming Summit in Ankara in July 2026.

Opening the visit, JFC Brunssum's Commander, General Ingo Gerhartz, welcomed the Military Representatives noting, "We are currently facing challenging times and are thinking and planning in terms of NATO 3.0, which, among other things, means that we require a stronger European commitment."

The Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee (DCMC), Lieutenant General Winston P. Brooks, stated: "JFC Brunssum is the leading command for Eastern Sentry and Baltic Sentry." He underscored the crucial role JFC Brunssum plays in the Alliance's defensive posture, and alignment with National Defence Plans.

The visit to JFC Brunssum is part of a tour the NATO Military Committee is currently conducting to NATO's command structures to assess ongoing work strands and progress in strengthening NATO warfighting capabilities. This includes more air and missile defence, more long-range strike capabilities, more drones, more ammunition, and larger stockpiles.

NATO's military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance is a key part of the NATO's overall deterrence and defence posture. This forward presence is defensive, proportionate, transparent and in line with the Alliance's international commitments and obligations. It also represents a significant commitment by Allies and is a tangible reminder that an attack on one NATO member country is an attack on all.