NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is set to announce a substantial increase in air defense capabilities, reportedly by 400%, during a conference in London today.

This announcement comes as tensions with Russia continue, with Moscow labeling NATO as a tool of aggression and confrontation.

The conference, organized by the Chatham House research center, is expected to emphasize the need for enhanced collective defense mechanisms.

Stoltenberg is anticipated to state that 'the threat will not go away, even after the conclusion of the war in Ukraine.'

In light of ongoing Russian military operations, Stoltenberg is scheduled to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

He will highlight the ongoing dangers posed by Russia, indicating that the alliance must bolster its air defense capabilities to protect its aerial sovereignty.

Ahead of the NATO summit scheduled for June 24-25 in The Hague, Stoltenberg is likely to confirm the need for a significant increase in missile defense and air defense systems by 400% to maintain credible deterrence and defense strategies.

This meeting occurs against a backdrop of calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for European NATO members and Canada to commit at least 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense spending, underscoring concerns about the security commitments to Europe.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced from Brussels that NATO is 'very close' to reaching an agreement regarding this spending commitment, which could be formalized at the upcoming summit in The Hague.

Hegseth noted that the proposed commitment would include 3.5% allocated to hard military capabilities and 1.5% towards infrastructure and defense-related activities, reflecting a genuine commitment by each member nation to increase their defense budgets.

With over three years since the onset of the Ukraine war, the threat posed by Russia, coupled with uncertainties surrounding U.S. commitments to European security, has prompted European nations to bolster their defense expenditures.

Stoltenberg is expected to detail the need for NATO forces to acquire thousands of additional armored vehicles and tanks, as well as millions of artillery shells.

He commended the UK’s new defense strategy unveiled last week, stating that it would bolster NATO's collective defense.

Prime Minister Starmer announced that the UK will construct 12 nuclear-powered attack submarines and establish six munitions manufacturing facilities to enhance national defenses, particularly against perceived threats from Russia.

Stoltenberg emphasized the necessity for NATO to evolve into a stronger, fairer, and more lethal alliance.

In response, Russian Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that NATO, having revealed its nature, is confirming its role as an instrument of aggression and confrontation.

He described NATO's plans for a significant enhancement of its air and missile capabilities as provocative and suggested that such strategies will burden European taxpayers with the costs of addressing a non-existent threat.