A top NATO commander has warned that the West's reliance on advanced jets and expensive missiles for air defense is being challenged by the rise of cheap drones and mass air attacks. Sir John Stringer, NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told Business Insider that the West can no longer depend on traditional reactive measures to counter modern air threats.
The shift in strategy comes as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East demonstrate new tactics that Western militaries have not previously faced. Stringer emphasized that future conflicts may involve major powers like Russia or China, as well as smaller actors with access to low-cost drones capable of overwhelming defenses.
While advanced missiles and aircraft remain essential, Stringer argued that the West now needs cheaper, more numerous defenses to address the growing variety of air threats. These threats range from drones to hypersonic weapons, forcing NATO to rethink both its defensive tools and the scale of its defenses.
Stringer stated that Western militaries must adapt to new methods, such as using drones to counter drone attacks or employing electronic warfare. The evolving threat landscape requires a more proactive and flexible approach to air defense, he said.