Yesterday at 20:05
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on defense industry leaders across the Alliance to prepare for a major increase in production. UATV English reports, according to his remarks at the NATO Industry Forum in Bucharest.
Speaking at the NATO Industry Forum in Bucharest, Rutte emphasized that the current security environment requires bold action from both governments and industry.
“Dangerous times demand bold decisions and a certain tolerance for risk. As politicians take political risks, industry must also take some business risks,” he said, acknowledging potential concerns among shareholders.
Rutte stressed that defense companies are right to expect long-term government contracts, noting that the political will, funding, and demand already exist.
“I will do everything possible to ensure governments keep their promises and sign contracts. NATO will accelerate procurement and continue supporting innovation,” he added.
The Secretary General urged manufacturers to be ready by scaling up supplies, expanding production lines, and opening new facilities. He cautioned industry leaders not to let fears of overcapacity prevent them from meeting urgent defense needs.
“I am confident: everything you produce will be purchased,” Rutte assured.
He highlighted that the NATO Industry Forum brings together ideas, resources, and industrial capabilities from 32 Allied nations, adding that even more can be achieved through collaboration with partners such as the European Union, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific democracies including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.
As previously reported, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius praised Romania for leading by example by launching concrete talks with Ukraine on projects under the EU’s SAFE defense-industry financing program.
