The Western arms industry must show greater readiness to take risks in expanding production, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a meeting with representatives of the arms industry in Bucharest on Thursday.
“Dangerous times require bold actions,” Rutte said at the NATO Industrial Forum.
“While you think about your shareholders, this may make you nervous. You are waiting for governments to sign long-term contracts… Sometimes governments have to do that, but I can tell you that when it comes to greater investment in our defense, the political will exists,” Rutte said.
“The political will exists, the money exists, the demand exists, and our security depends on it,” he emphasized.
“Do not let fear of future overcapacity prevent you from meeting the real needs we face today. I have full confidence that what you produce will be bought,” he added.
Rutte offered the sector a deal: if it increases deliveries, expands existing production lines, and opens new ones, he promised that NATO would do everything in its power to accelerate purchases and would continue to support innovation.
He added that he will encourage governments to keep their word and sign contracts.
“We need equipment, real firepower, and, of course… the most advanced technology, because the threats we face are real and lasting,” Rutte said.
The danger posed by Russia will not end when the unprovoked war against Ukraine ends, he said.
“In the foreseeable future, Russia will remain a destabilizing force in Europe and the world. And Russia is not alone in its efforts to undermine global rules: as you know, it cooperates with China, North Korea, Iran, and others,” Rutte said.
