NATO Chief Urges Major Military Spending Increases Amid Russian Threat
Secretary-General Mark Rutte calls for a 400% rise in air and missile defenses as NATO prepares for a potential Russian aggression within five years.
LONDON: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has stated that member countries must increase their air and missile defenses by 400 percent to effectively counter potential threats from Russia.
Speaking during a visit to London, Rutte warned that Russia could be positioned to launch military action against NATO within five years.
He emphasized that the alliance must take a significant leap forward in its collective defense capabilities.
Rutte, addressing an audience at the Chatham House think tank, indicated that he anticipates a substantial increase in military spending to be agreed upon at an upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands later this month.
Specifically, he proposed that NATO aims for military spending to reach 3.5 percent of each member's economic output, complemented by an additional 1.5 percent for defense-related infrastructure such as roads, airfields, and ports.
He expressed confidence that this target would receive endorsement at the summit scheduled for June 24-25.
Currently, 22 out of NATO's 32 member states meet or exceed the alliance's established target of 2 percent of GDP, a benchmark that has been in place since 2014. Rutte expects that all member countries will achieve this spending goal by the end of the current year.
The proposed new target aligns with previous assertions by US officials advocating for a more substantial financial commitment from NATO allies, including a demand by former President Donald Trump for a defense expenditure level of 5 percent of GDP.
Acknowledging that America has shouldered a disproportionate share of NATO's defense responsibilities, Rutte stated, "America has carried too much of the burden for too long." He noted the critical need for enhanced military resources, calling for thousands more armored vehicles and millions of additional artillery shells alongside the proposed increase in air and missile defense systems.
In his remarks, Rutte highlighted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as an example of escalating Russian hostility, pointing out that it underscores the urgency of strengthening NATO's defensive capabilities.
He remarked, "We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies."
Conversing with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, Rutte commended the UK's commitment to increasing its defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027 and 3 percent by 2034. The UK's military expenditure review has gained traction since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, prompting European NATO members to reassess and bolster their defense strategies.
Recent announcements from the UK government include plans for the construction of new nuclear-powered attack submarines and an overall readiness to confront potential conflicts within Europe, marking significant shifts in defense strategy.
Such changes represent the most comprehensive reassessment of British military readiness since the dissolution of the Soviet Union over three decades ago, reflecting an urgent response to the evolving geopolitical landscape in Europe.
Speaking during a visit to London, Rutte warned that Russia could be positioned to launch military action against NATO within five years.
He emphasized that the alliance must take a significant leap forward in its collective defense capabilities.
Rutte, addressing an audience at the Chatham House think tank, indicated that he anticipates a substantial increase in military spending to be agreed upon at an upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands later this month.
Specifically, he proposed that NATO aims for military spending to reach 3.5 percent of each member's economic output, complemented by an additional 1.5 percent for defense-related infrastructure such as roads, airfields, and ports.
He expressed confidence that this target would receive endorsement at the summit scheduled for June 24-25.
Currently, 22 out of NATO's 32 member states meet or exceed the alliance's established target of 2 percent of GDP, a benchmark that has been in place since 2014. Rutte expects that all member countries will achieve this spending goal by the end of the current year.
The proposed new target aligns with previous assertions by US officials advocating for a more substantial financial commitment from NATO allies, including a demand by former President Donald Trump for a defense expenditure level of 5 percent of GDP.
Acknowledging that America has shouldered a disproportionate share of NATO's defense responsibilities, Rutte stated, "America has carried too much of the burden for too long." He noted the critical need for enhanced military resources, calling for thousands more armored vehicles and millions of additional artillery shells alongside the proposed increase in air and missile defense systems.
In his remarks, Rutte highlighted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as an example of escalating Russian hostility, pointing out that it underscores the urgency of strengthening NATO's defensive capabilities.
He remarked, "We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies."
Conversing with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, Rutte commended the UK's commitment to increasing its defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027 and 3 percent by 2034. The UK's military expenditure review has gained traction since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, prompting European NATO members to reassess and bolster their defense strategies.
Recent announcements from the UK government include plans for the construction of new nuclear-powered attack submarines and an overall readiness to confront potential conflicts within Europe, marking significant shifts in defense strategy.
Such changes represent the most comprehensive reassessment of British military readiness since the dissolution of the Soviet Union over three decades ago, reflecting an urgent response to the evolving geopolitical landscape in Europe.