NATO has surpassed Russia in ammunition production, the NATO Secretary General has declared.
"Until recently, Russia produced more ammunition than all NATO allies combined. But not anymore," said Mark Rutte.
He attributed this change to the expansion of defense production capacity across the alliance.
"Across the alliance, we are now opening dozens of new production lines and expanding existing ones. We are producing more than we have in decades," he said, urging defense industries to "increase supply, expand existing production lines and open new lines."
Rutte's comments come amid a broader push by European countries to expand their defense industries to strengthen both their own security and Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
Rutte stressed that "there is simply no strong defense without a strong defense industry," adding that NATO leaders had agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 and accelerate the procurement of critical systems such as drones, munitions and air defense.
"The threats we face are real and enduring. Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine is the most obvious example," Rutte said, warning that "the danger posed by Russia will not end when this war ends."
He also said that Russia's growing military cooperation with China, Iran and North Korea poses a long-term challenge: "They are increasing their defense industrial cooperation to unprecedented levels. They are preparing for long-term confrontation."
Rutte called on NATO members and their defense industries to "produce and be smarter than those who seek to harm us or weaken us."
Speaking during a visit to Germany earlier this year, Rutte said Europe is capable of producing six times more artillery shells each year than it could two years ago, with production expected to reach 2 million rounds by the end of the year. /Telegraph/
