Defense spending

[WendyBG]

There is little doubt that Russia will attack NATO countries like the small Baltic states once they have subdued Ukraine.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/taking-natos-article-v-seriousl…

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/25/opinion/putin-war-russia-…

**The small Baltic states near Russia are the most likely Putin target given their strategic position, ethnic Russian minorities and smaller military forces. There’s also the risk of hybrid attacks to undermine the democratic governments in Lithuania, Latvia or Estonia. ...**

**Non-NATO nations Finland and Sweden took part in Friday’s NATO summit, and Russia’s foreign ministrywarned the countries would “face some military and political consequences” if they pursued membership. Those threats are all the more reason for them to join the alliance....**

**Taking NATO’s Article V Seriously**
**After he swallows Ukraine, Putin will target the alliance.**
**by The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board.**

**Vladimir Putin’s likely conquest of Ukraine raises an uncomfortable question: Could Russia next attack a member of NATO? The alliance had better prepare for the possibility because the Russian dictator has all but promised to test it.**

**Why Is Putin at War Again? Because He Keeps Winning.**
**By Chris Miller, The New York Times, Feb. 25, 2022**

**There is no world leader today with a better track record when it comes to using military power than President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia. Whether against Georgia in 2008, Ukraine in 2014 or in Syria since 2015, the Russian military has repeatedly converted battlefield successes into political victories. Russia’s rearmament over the past decade and a half has been unmatched by a comparable increase in Western capabilities. So it is no surprise why Russia feels emboldened to use its military power while the West stands by....** [end quote]

The few thousand troops the U.S. has sent to Europe in the past few weeks are just a drop in the bucket. Will Europe step up to the plate?

What will this mean for U.S. and international defense contractors?

Let’s hope this doesn’t lead to World War 3.
Wendy

[BrerBear]

What will this mean for U.S. and international defense contractors?

Let’s hope this doesn’t lead to World War 3.
Wendy

If it do, not to worry.

It’ll be over before we know it.

“Enjoy yourselves, it’s later than you think.”

Seriously.

[tim443]

The small Baltic states near Russia are the most likely Putin target given their strategic position, ethnic Russian minorities and smaller military forces. There’s also the risk of hybrid attacks to undermine the democratic governments in Lithuania, Latvia or Estonia. …

Canada currently has a large military presence in Latvia to train the Latvian military as well as help defend them from the Russian Bear. Methinks that would be a step too far and Putin would not want a full blown war with NATO? His barely trained draftees would be cut to shreds by the mostly professional NATO troops.

Meanwhile: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-another-3400-…

Another 3,400 Canadian troops placed on standby to deploy to Europe if necessary, Defence Minister says

STEVEN CHASESENIOR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER

OTTAWA PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 24, 2022

…

Several NATO members, including Latvia and Estonia, have formally requested consultations under Article 4 of the military alliance’s treaty, which calls for meetings when “the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the parties is threatened.” The two Baltic countries – both former Soviet republics – have long feared that Russian expansionism will one day target them as well.

…

The 3,400 troops are in addition to the 1,260 military personnel Canada has already committed to NATO efforts to contain Russia in the years after its invasion and annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014. This includes 540 soldiers in the Canadian-led battle group in Latvia, as well as staffing for a frigate. Earlier this week, Canada announced it was also deploying 120 gunners as part of an artillery battery, as well as a second frigate and a surveillance aircraft.

File under Moral of the Ukrainian soldiers. The lookout reported a Russian tank moving up the road towards him … the commander replied “What only one Russian Tank?”. A sense of humour is good. Tanks are so Cold War, lots of modern equipment designed to open up tin cans and or kill the people inside.

Tim: Military Axiom - never be the most dangerous looking thing on the battlefield. The Flame thrower guys expected lifespan in combat in WWII was about 75 seconds.