NATO allies are putting forces on standby and sending more ships and fighter jets to NATO deployment sites in Eastern Europe, bolstering allied deterrence and defense as Russia continues to build up its military presence in and around Ukraine, the NATO website notes.

In recent days, a number of allies have made announcements about current or upcoming deployments. Denmark is sending a frigate to the Baltic Sea and is about to send four F-16 fighter jets to Lithuania to support NATO's longstanding air policing mission in the region. Spain is sending ships to join the NATO navy and is considering sending fighter jets to Bulgaria. France expressed its readiness to send troops under NATO command to Romania. The Netherlands will send two F-35 fighter jets to Bulgaria from April to support NATO's air policing activities in the region, and will bring one ship and ground units into reserve for the NATO Response Force. The United States has also made it clear that it is considering increasing its military presence in the eastern part of the Alliance.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted:  “I welcome Allies contributing additional forces to NATO. NATO will continue to take all necessary measures to protect and defend all Allies, including by reinforcing the eastern part of the Alliance. We will always respond to any deterioration of our security environment, including through strengthening our collective defence.”