U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, NATO's top military commander, salutes Italian soldiers at a July 1, 2024 ceremony in Solbiate Olona, Italy, where a new NATO quick reaction force was activated. (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe)

STUTTGART, Germany — NATO activated a new quick reaction force this week as part of a move to update defense plans in Europe, alliance military officials said.

The Allied Response Force, which was stood up Monday during a ceremony in Solbiate Olona, Italy, brings capabilities that were absent from the NATO Response Force that it replaces.

The new unit, known as the ARF, includes cyber and space force elements. It also involves more light infantry troops capable of moving out on short notice.

“This development is crucial for the deterrence and defense of the Euro-Atlantic area, ensuring NATO is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any threat in an evolving security environment,” Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe said in a statement Monday.

The ARF is part of a broader modernization effort happening at NATO, which is building a force model that involves some 300,000 alliance troops operating at a higher state of readiness.

The ARF also functions as a NATO spearhead element and gives the top military commander, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, a multinational force that can be deployed on short notice, SHAPE said.

The NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy in Solbiate Olona will lead the ARF for the next three years, SHAPE said.

“The ARF can deliver forces, fires and effects within 10 days to either strengthen deterrence or provide strategic dilemma to adversaries,” SHAPE said.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, NATO's top military commander, speaks at a July 1, 2024, ceremony in Solbiate Olona, Italy, where a new NATO quick reaction force was activated. (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe)