NATO secretary general seeks 400% increase in air, missile defense

Published 2025/06/09, 10:36
NATO secretary general seeks 400% increase in air, missile defense

Investing.com -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is set to call for a significant increase in air and missile defense during a speech in London on Monday.

He will argue that the military alliance requires a 400% boost in these areas, highlighting it as a key priority for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague later this month.

Rutte is urging member nations to increase defense spending to 3.5% of their respective GDP. In addition, he is also asking for an additional 1.5% to be allocated to broader security-related expenses.

This is in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for a 5% target. Rutte stated last month that he anticipates this target will be agreed upon at the summit, which is scheduled for June 24-25.

The NATO secretary general will present his argument at London’s Chatham House think tank. He will explain that for NATO to maintain credible deterrence and defense, a 400% increase in air and missile defense is necessary.

In his speech, Rutte is expected to reference the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, noting Russia’s aerial tactics. "We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies," he is set to say, according to extracts of his speech provided by his office.

Rutte will also emphasize the need for a considerable enhancement in collective defense. He will argue that more forces and capabilities are required to fully implement defense plans. Moreover, he will stress that the potential threats will not cease even after the war in Ukraine concludes.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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