Mountain Warfare and the NATO Deterrence and Defence Plans

Abstract The aim of this article is to develop insights based on an analysis of historical operations that took place in European mountain ranges, which are essential for national home defence planning within NATO’s Deterrence and Defence family of plans. The conclusions from these historical examples unequivocally demonstrate the Joint Force Operations problem, which defence planners must adequately address in their state defence plans. European mountain chains include those in Hungary, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The role of the Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence, as a NATO Mountain Units advocate in preparing for the execution of the NATO Family of Plans and contributing to the development of mountain warfare doctrine in a Multi-Domain environment, as well as advocating NATO policies in the Republic of Slovenia, appears to be of key importance.