NATO Operations and Missions

NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic efforts fail, it has the military power to undertake crisis-management operations. These are carried out under the collective defence clause of NATO's founding treaty - Article 5 of the Washington Treaty or under a United Nations mandate, alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organisations.

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In response to the unprecedented steps of military aggression by Russia against Ukraine, the North Atlantic Alliance has significantly intensified the protection of its Eastern flank. In addition to Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, this protective umbrella also strengthened the defense capabilities of Slovakia through the creation of the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Slovakia

Currently are conducting these NATO operations and missions:

• NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) - during the Brussels NATO summit in July 2018, at the request of the Iraqi government, the leaders of the member states launched a new training mission in Iraq. This new mission builds on the training and capacity-building experience already carried out in Iraq through NATO's Iraq Training and Capacity-Building Initiative. The original initiative was completed at the end of October 2018.
• NATO Mission in Kosovo (KFOR) - is aimed at maintaining a safe environment, freedom of movement, international civilian presence and other international organizations. The mission began in 1999 as a peace support operation, and derives its mandate from UN Security Council Resolution no. 1244 and international agreements. To date, approximately 3,800 troops contributed by 27 countries are helping to ensure that KFOR's goals are met.
• Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (ALTHEA) - It is being carried out in accordance with the mandate of the UN Security Council and the General Framework Agreement for Peace, which led to the cessation of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995. The operation was launched in 2004 and currently involves EU forces with more than 600 troopers from 15 Member States and 5 partner countries, which, however, can use significant reserves from EU and NATO countries. The operational headquarters of Operation Althea is in SHAPE. SHAPE's Deputy Chief of Staff (VCOS), Lt. Gen. Hubert Cottereau, currently holds operational command. It is supported by the European Union Working Group and, if necessary, by staff from across SHAPE. In addition, the Berlin Plus agreements provide an EU command element. The Operation Commander works closely with the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Military Committee of the European Union and the Military Staff of the European Union. The political control and strategic management of the operation rests exclusively with the Political and Security Committee of the EU, for which the Council of the EU is responsible.
• Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) - operation provides overview about maritime situation by sharing an accurate picture of daily activities in the Mediterranean sea. Working with allies and allied operational centers of NATO, operation creates the most comprehensive picture possible by combining this information to identify potential security issues. The OSG also provides counter-terrorism capabilities at sea and maritime security capacity building.Launched in 2016 after the Warsaw Summit, the mission aims to preserve freedom of navigation, enforce maritime interdiction, counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and protect critical infrastructure.
• NATO Operation on Island (ASIC IPPN) - introduces airspace coverage over Iceland in order to maintain the integrity of NATO territory. Since Iceland does not have its own national air force, after the withdrawal of American forces from Iceland in 2008, this mission was initiated directly by NATO.
• NATO Support for African Union - since 2007 NATO helps to African Union (AU) in Somalia by providing air and naval support for peace forces of AU based on African Union requests. NATO provides support in capacity building and professional training support for the African Contingency Force concept
• NATO Support for Turkey - is aimed at expanding Turkish air defense capabilities through a sophisticated surface-to-air missile system. Mission started in 2013, after the decision of the foreign ministers of the NATO member countries to comply with the Turkish government's request for support.The deployment of the batteries is decided jointly with Turkey as the host country in close cooperation with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
• NATO Mission in Baltic states (Air Policing) - it is a collective defense to secure the airspace of allies and protect their territory through continuous 24/7 Air Policing. Mission includes multiple systems such as radar surveillance and airspace reconnaissance (ASACS), air command and control (Air C2) and the use of fighter planes. These assets respond to military and civilian aircraft that do not comply with international aviation regulations and either approach or fly close to allied airspace. An example is the inability to identify oneself, communicate with air traffic control or enter flight plans.