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sked what his analysis of Russia’s recent withdrawal from the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty means for US Air Forces in Europe and NATO efforts, USAFE boss Gen. Tom Hobbins told a Capitol Hill crowd that he plans to continue with business as usual. Military to military relations between USAFE and Russia are “very, very strong” right now, he noted, and downplayed the encirclement fears that the Kremlin has been touting. “There is a great fear by the Russians about NATO encirclement,” Hobbins said. “When we look at the types of facilities we’re building, we’re not a threat to the Russians,” he said. NATO is using the facilities primarily for training activities, he explained, adding that his command continues to look for more ways to exercise together, to build relationships and leverage strengths. Hobbins said he recently spoke with the Russian air chief about ways to cooperate, particularly regarding a Russian strength—military airlift.
All of the U.S. military services are pursuing capabilities to complement GPS amid concerns that the constellation is increasingly vulnerable to interference, but a new government watchdog report calls for better coordination and prioritization among those efforts to avoid delays and duplication.
