NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday called for a “quantum leap” in defensive capabilities, including a “400-percent increase” in air and missile defense, to protect the alliance from Russia.
“In Ukraine, we see Russia inflicting terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies,” Rutte said on June 9 in a speech at the Chatham House think-tank in London, according to comments released in a statement reported by AFP.
To maintain credible deterrence and defense, NATO needs a “400-percent increase in air and missile defense.” “The fact is that we need a quantum leap in our collective defense,” he reiterated.
Rutte is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on June 6, their second discussion at Downing Street since the Labour leader took office in July 2024. Rutte’s comments come ahead of the NATO summit in the Netherlands later this month.
Kremlin Condemns NATO as “Instrument of Aggression”
Moscow was quick to condemn Rutte’s statements, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling reporters in Moscow that NATO “is proving to be an instrument of aggression and confrontation” even before Rutte’s speech.
Trump Pushes for 5% Defense Spending Target
U.S. President Donald Trump is pressuring alliance members to announce significant increases in their military budgets. He is pushing NATO members to increase their defense spending to five percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), up from the current target of two percent.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated last week in Brussels that allies are close to agreeing on the five percent target, which could be formalized at the summit in The Hague. “We believe that this alliance will commit to five percent in a few weeks, of which 3.5 percent will be in heavy weaponry and 1.5 percent in infrastructure and defensive activities,” Hegseth said on Thursday. “That combination represents a real commitment, and we think every country can step up its contribution.”
“Stronger, Fairer Alliance” Amidst Ongoing Threat
NATO members have been striving to strengthen their defensive capabilities since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“The danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends,” Rutte said on Monday. “We must have more forces and capabilities to fully implement our defense plans. Our armies also need thousands of armored vehicles and tanks, millions of artillery shells.”
Last week, Britain announced plans to build up to 12 nuclear submarines and six ammunition and shell factories to rearm the country in response to what it called threats from Russia. Earlier this year, Starmer’s government pledged to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027 but has not yet set a firm timeline for further increases.
“NATO must become a stronger, fairer, and deadlier alliance,” Rutte concluded.
