Colagrande: BiH's NATO membership is a political issue, the Alliance is ready to protect you from Russian reaction!

(Patria) - NATO's defense planning process is crucial for facing current and future security challenges, said General Aurelio Colagrande, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation of NATO, at the Security Conference held in Sarajevo.

In an interview with Federal Television, Colagrande pointed out that the recent incursions of Russian aircraft into the airspace of member states, including Poland and Estonia, are further confirmation of the challenges NATO faces. He emphasized that the Alliance is more prepared than ever to prevent such attacks, including the use of drones.

– We are trying to be even more flexible and adaptable in facing new threats. Through experiments and exercises, we want to ensure that we will be ready for what is coming – said Colagrande.

Speaking about the Balkans, he assessed that the southern flank of the Alliance can be protected in the same way as other operational areas – through close cooperation with allies, and the development of new procedures and tactics.

Regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina's NATO perspective, Colagrande reminded that our country is already part of the "Partnership for Peace" program, but that the issue of full membership is exclusively political.

– The next step must be a political decision. When it is made, we will, from a military perspective, be fully prepared to cooperate with Bosnia and Herzegovina – he emphasized.

Commenting on Russia's threats regarding BiH's possible NATO membership, Colagrande clearly stated that the Alliance, if the political leadership makes a decision, will be ready to implement it in practice.