NATO Secretary General calls for accelerating defense production and innovation to meet challenges

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NATO Secretary General calls for accelerating defense production and innovation to meet challenges

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called today, Thursday, for strengthening cooperation between the alliance and defense industries to accelerate military production and technological innovation in the face of increasing global challenges, stressing that “there is no strong defense without a strong defense industry.”

During his speech at the NATO Industry Forum, which began today in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, Rutte thanked Romania and its president, Nicoshore Dan, for hosting the forum, Which is one of the largest events that brings together NATO leaders and executive decision-makers in the field of defense industries from Europe and North America, noting that “industrial companies are the industrial component of NATO’s deterrence and collective defense.”

The Secretary-General stressed that the decisions taken during the NATO summit in The Hague this year were “historic,” as the leaders agreed to invest 5% of the gross domestic product in defense by 2035, adding that “This is serious spending, but it is necessary to maintain our security.” These investments include the purchase of fighters, tanks, ships, drones, and ammunition, in addition to capabilities in the fields of space and cybersecurity.

Rutte indicated that turning these decisions into reality depends on “a close partnership with the industrial sector,” stressing that many European countries, including Romania, have begun to increase defense spending in an unprecedented way, as Bucharest plans to raise spending to 3.5% of its gross domestic product by 2030. He said The Secretary-General: “Money alone does not provide security. We need capabilities, equipment, real firepower, and the most advanced technology, because the threats we face are real and permanent.”

He explained that the Russian war against Ukraine remains the most prominent example of these threats, warning that “Russia’s danger will not end with the end of the war.” As long as it continues to develop the armament industry.

Rutte stressed that the alliance is facing a stage that requires “strength, innovation, and cooperation,” explaining that three main drivers must lead these efforts: quantity, creativity, and cooperation.

In terms of quantity, he explained that NATO already possesses advanced systems “but we need more and quickly,” noting that the alliance recently succeeded in doubling ammunition production after Russia It outperforms him in this field.

As for the field of creativity, Rutte urged major and emerging companies to “employ their innovative ideas to serve collective security,” highlighting the role of the “Diana” initiative. To accelerate defense innovation and the NATO Innovation Fund, the world’s first multi-country sovereign investment fund to support dual-use technology.

With regard to cooperation, the Secretary-General stressed that this area “is the core of NATO’s work,” noting the importance of coordination with the European Union, Ukraine and Indo-Pacific countries such as Japan, South Korea and Australia, to enhance innovation and joint production.

Rutte called on defense companies to increase production and expand manufacturing lines without fear of surplus capacity. In the future, he stressed that “what you produce will find someone to buy.” He added that these efforts will lead to stronger security, economic growth and the creation of new job opportunities, describing this as a “defense dividend.” Which benefits everyone.

The Secretary-General concluded his speech with a call to “work together for a safer and more prosperous future,” saying: “We have the political will, resources, and demand, and all we have to do is turn this will into action.” Joint security is the greatest investment we can make today."

The participation of the NATO Secretary General in the Defense Industry Forum in Bucharest comes within the framework of his current visit to Romania, where he held bilateral discussions with Romanian President Nexor Dan, Prime Minister Ili Bologan, and a number of senior Romanian officials. This visit also comes within the framework of NATO’s efforts to enhance joint defense capabilities and support cooperation with member states on the eastern flank of the alliance.