ROME, Italy. This week NATO Allied Command Transformation’s Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Simon Asquith, addressed a senior course at the NATO Defense College. The Generals, Flag Officers and Ambassador’s Course brought together some 80 one- to three-star generals, flag officers, diplomats, and civilians from NATO countries, the Partnership for Peace, the Mediterranean Dialogue, the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative and Partners Across the Globe, whose interests cover strategic security issues.
The Course aims to enhance the understanding of current political-military issues and concerns affecting the Alliance, to foster mutual understanding, and to promote networking amongst participants.
In his speech, Admiral Asquith painted a compelling picture of NATO’s future, emphasizing the need for constant adaptation and innovation to address the evolving security landscape.
He stressed that the future of warfare is rapidly changing, driven by technological advancements and geopolitical shifts. NATO must stay ahead of the curve by embracing emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous systems. He highlighted the importance of developing innovative strategies and tactics to counter evolving threats and ensure the Alliance’s continued relevance.
The future we envisioned 20 years ago is here now. Today we must be bold in our thinking and our actions to ensure that NATO remains the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security.
The future is not a distant intangible point on the horizon; it is the sum of our actions today. Just as Rome was built brick by brick, layer by layer, we must construct our future military capability with the same dedication, intellect and foresight… To do so at the required pace, we must identify and eliminate any barriers which prevent us driving forward.
– Vice Admiral Simon Asquith, NATO Allied Command Transformation Chief of Staff
Key Takeaways:
Vice Admiral Asquith outlined NATO’s vision for the future, while emphasizing the need for constant adaptation and innovation. By highlighting the rapid evolution of warfare and the critical role technology holds in shaping the battlespace, he shared five key lines of effort that NATO Allied Command Transformation is using to driving NATO’s transformation:
- Understanding the Future Environment: Allied Command Transformation is actively analyzing emerging trends and potential threats to inform future force development. By leveraging tools like the Future Force Study, the command is ensuring that NATO remains ahead of the curve.
- Shaping the Future of Warfare: The Command is embracing innovation and exploring new ways to conduct operations. Initiatives like the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise are crucial in testing new technologies and tactics. Additionally, the command is driving the adoption of Multi-Domain Operations, which will require significant technological advancements and organizational changes.
- Delivering Critical Capabilities: Allied Command Transformation is focused on delivering essential capabilities to support NATO’s mission. This includes investing in common funded capabilities and ensuring the effective implementation of the NATO Defence Planning Process.
- Supporting Ukraine: The command is providing critical support to Ukraine, including the establishment of the Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre. This initiative aims to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities and strengthen its integration with NATO.
- Balancing Immediate and Future Needs: Allied Command Transformation is committed to balancing the demands of current operations with the need to prepare for future challenges. By striking the right balance between short-term and long-term priorities, the command ensures that NATO remains a formidable force.
By emphasizing the need for innovation, adaptation, and collaboration, Admiral Asquith’s speech to this very senior course conveyed the importance of a forward-looking approach to security. As NATO continues to evolve and confront new challenges, the Alliance must remain committed to investing in technology, training, and partnerships. By doing so, NATO can ensure its continued relevance and ability to protect its member states.
