UK defense secretary Michael Fallon tells US only NATO can deter 'Russian threat'

British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon (Photo by AFP)

British defense secretary Michael Fallon has called on the incoming US administration to back NATO military alliance as the “only” deterrence to what he referred to as a real threat from Russia.

Speaking at a major defense forum in the US state of California that brought together senior members of the US military establishment, Fallon further called on Donald Trump’s administration not to retreat into isolationism – as pledged during the president-elect’s campaign for the White House – insisting that NATO members are in “strategic competition” with Russia, UK-based daily the Guardian reported Saturday.

“First, it is important that America remains an outward-looking nation,” Fallon said at the military event. “Our unity sends a powerful signal of collective strength to potential adversaries. The US administration has always stood up to Russian intimidation. That was how Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher helped bring down the iron curtain in the 80s.”

His remarks reflected persisting concerns among NATO members in Europe over Trump’s repeated assertions on the campaign trail about a need for increased dialogue with Russian president Vladimir Putin while undermining the Western military alliance, particularly its basic principle that an attack on one constitutes an attack on all.

“Russia’s actions in Crimea and Ukraine have tested the alliance,” UK’s top defense official added. “You only have to visit NATO’s eastern flank to understand the acute sense of vulnerability that abounds. There’s no point pretending this is business as usual. Dialogue with Russia is useful. But deterrence is essential.”

He further went on to remind the Americans of the benefits of the organization saying, “NATO is the world’s most successful military alliance and it is as good for the US as it is for Europe. It was the alliance’s collective commitment that invoked Article V after America was attacked on 9/11.”

Fallon, however, also offered some words of relieve for the incoming US administration over NATO, emphasizing that the alliance should not rely on Washington to provide much of its funding and that other members needed to contribute more.

“I firmly agree with your president and your president-elect that many NATO nations still need to do more to pay their way. Nineteen NATO members spend less than 1.5% of GDP on defense. The US taxpayer can’t be expected to shoulder a disproportionate burden,” he said.

The defense official also announced a £100 million contract with Californian drone company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc to develop technology for British military’s armed Protector drone.

The UK declared last year that it will replace its present fleet of 10 Protector drones – formerly known as Predator B drone -- with 20 of the newest version, due to come into operation around 2020.