Defense alliance is an organization that promotes the development and growth of innovative technology based companies in the Upper Midwest. It accelerates commercialization for military-related technologies and contributes to the vibrancy of the national technology base in markets such as power and energy, strategic natural resources, and cybersecurity. Defense alliance also supports small business and regional economic development. Defense Alliance is funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Regional Innovation Cluster program and is an active SBA resource partner.
At the 2023 summit in Vilnius, NATO Leaders strengthened the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture to better reflect its 360-degree approach, and to address new challenges and threats across the land, air, maritime and cyber domains. Allies agreed to an enduring commitment to investing at least 2% of their GDP in defence, as well as to spend 20% of their defence budget on major equipment and related research and development.
Allies also implemented the NATO Force Model and a new multi-domain Allied Reaction Force to strengthen the Alliance’s military responsiveness, and increase the number of forces available at short notice. In addition, Allies developed a new Defence Production Action Plan to boost their defence industrial capabilities, and a Rapid Adoption Action Plan to speed up the pace of developing and acquiring new capability.
At the same time, NATO continues to address the security implications of Russia’s ongoing modernisation of its conventional weapons systems and nuclear arsenal, and its violation of international law and arms control obligations. To counter these challenges, NATO and Allies are strengthening their advanced conventional capabilities, expanding their exercises, and adapting their intelligence, air and missile defence postures.
About the Author
