NATO is developing a defense strategy that would allow its forces to strike military targets deep inside Russia, rather than limiting attacks to areas near the alliance’s borders. According to The Wall Street Journal, potential targets include Russian military bases, supply depots and industrial facilities that support the country’s armed forces.

The proposed approach marks a shift in how NATO intends to deter Russia. Instead of focusing solely on Russian troops that might cross into NATO territory, the alliance would seek to disrupt Russia’s military capabilities in advance by destroying critical facilities far behind the front lines.

Long-range precision weapons would be central to this strategy. The plan does not currently include escalation to the use of nuclear weapons.

The concept builds on a theory of victory over Russia presented on October 12 by Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe. His approach calls for strikes against the infrastructure responsible for supporting, supplying and directing Russian military forces.

Polish Major General Ireneusz Nowak has also openly identified Russia’s defense industry as a potential target in a military confrontation.

Nowak said that NATO would seek to strike Russia’s defense-industrial base in the event of a conflict and argued that long-range precision strikes should be regarded as a means of deterrence.

European countries are expanding their efforts to develop the weapons needed for such operations. Fabian Hoffmann, an analyst at the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies, reported that at least 48 new projects to develop low-cost cruise missiles have been announced across Europe, involving 20 manufacturers.

However, Hoffmann cautioned that not all of these projects will become operational weapons. Some are unlikely to materialize at all, while others will take several years to complete.

On October 16, Grynkewich explained that developing a personal theory of victory over Russia is standard practice for NATO commanders in Europe, noting that his predecessors had formulated similar concepts.

On the same occasion, the NATO commander also asserted that the alliance holds an advantage over Russia.