NATO can't slow down given complex threats

Given the complex threats of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and cyber warfare, NATO's Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow has said the security organisation cannot slow down.

Vershbow, attending the 17th International NATO Conference, Thursday predicted that next year's NATO summit would mark the start of a new chapter in the organisation's life, Xinhua reported.

He said NATO would move forward with joint intelligence operations and missile defences, and has to build a fleet of heavy lift helicopters.

Given the need for the tools to guarantee security, Vershbow pointed to the Smart Defence and Connected Forces Initiatives (CFI).

According to the NATO website, Smart Defence aims to pool countries' buying power to equip the Alliance with shared capabilities, while CFI is focused on a series of measures in the field of education and training, exercises and technology.

NATO, said Vershbow, has to continue to operate as a safety net and as a headquarters in maintaining security and in initiating closer cooperation among partner countries. It also has to assist countries in transition and to make Europe more secure.