NATO has activated a new headquarters in Bucharest, Romania, according to a press release. The Multinational Division Southeast Headquarters will command forces deployed in the alliance’s southeast region, and will be a hub for regional cooperation. The headquarters, designed for 280 people and to be led by members of the Romanian armed forces, “will assure NATO allies of an increased readiness and capability, not only for the southeast region, but for all NATO territories,” said Canadian Air Force Lt. Gen. Alain Parent, allied joint force command Naples deputy commander. The activation marks the headquarters’ official integration into the NATO command structure, according to the release.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.