NATO Chief Urges 400% Boost in Air Defense Capability

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is calling for a dramatic increase in the alliance’s air defense and missile defense capabilities—saying a 400% boost is urgently needed to strengthen collective deterrence and defend against modern threats.

“We’ve seen the horror raining from the skies in the Russia-Ukraine war. NATO must reinforce its shield over allied airspace,” Rutte said in remarks released ahead of a policy discussion at Chatham House in London on June 9.

He argued that the alliance must take a “giant leap” in collective defense, expanding both troop strength and air defense infrastructure to fully implement NATO’s strategic plans. “Even when the war in Ukraine ends, the threat will not go away,” Rutte warned.

Since taking office as NATO chief in October 2024, Rutte has prioritized expanding the alliance’s missile defense systems. He also urged member nations to procure “thousands of armored vehicles and tanks, along with millions of artillery shells.”

“NATO must become stronger, fairer, and deadlier,” he stated.

Rutte is pushing NATO members to raise their defense spending targets—from the current benchmark of 2% of GDP to 3.5% for military budgets, with an additional 1.5% for infrastructure and security-related operations. Together, these figures would align with U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal that each NATO country contribute the equivalent of 5% of GDP toward defense.

NATO leaders are expected to meet in the Netherlands later this month to negotiate a new defense spending framework. At last week’s meeting in Belgium, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said member states are “very close” to reaching an agreement that reflects President Trump’s proposal.

(Sources: Reuters, AFP)

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