NATO is urging its European members to increase ground-based air-defense capabilities fivefold in response to rising threats from Russia, according to sources familiar with the matter.

This proposal will be discussed at a defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels and is part of broader efforts to rebuild weapons stockpiles and reduce reliance on U.S. defense systems.

NATO leaders aim to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP and achieve full war-fighting readiness amid growing threats from advanced drones, missiles, and jets, Bloomberg has reported.

The plan will help shape decisions at a major summit in The Hague later in June.

Written by B.C. Begley