NATO chief's warning: The Russian threat does not end with the end of the war. Russia will become a destabilizing force in Europe and the world
The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance, Mark Rutte, at the NATO Forum. Photo source: Inquam Photos / Octav Ganea
The Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, declared on Thursday, at the NATO Forum in Bucharest, that the dialogue between Alinață and the defense industry is essential, because the threat from Moscow will not end when the war in Ukraine ends, appreciating that the transatlantic bloc must be prepared for “a long-term confrontation”.
“Russia's threat does not end when the war ends. Russia will become a destabilizing force in Europe and the world. And Russia is not alone in its efforts to undermine global rules. As you know, it is working with China, North Korea, Iran and others. They are preparing for long-term confrontations. We cannot be naive, we must be prepared,” the head of NATO emphasized, according to News.ro, in the presence of President Nicușor Dan. also present at the event.
He said that the alliance needs the industry to implement what he calls “peace through force”, stating that more production in the field is needed to overcome these threats.
Mark Rutte emphasized that there are three aspects that must be followed in this regard: quantity, creativity and cooperation.
Regarding the quantity, new production lines have been opened and the existing ones are being expanded, but a shorter delivery time is needed, the Secretary General of NATO emphasized to the businessmen, specifying that the ratios have changed.
“Until recently, Russia produced more ammunition than all the countries in the NATO alliance. But that is no longer the case. (…) We are doing more than we have done in decades,” Rutte emphasized.
Nicușor Dan, at the NATO Forum: Peace and security are never guaranteed, therefore arming is not a choice, it is a necessity
He emphasized the need for cheaper air defense and drone interception systems, and here “quantity is the key”, given the recent incursions of unmanned aerial vehicles that have ventured into the airspace of some NATO member countries, including Romania.
The head of NATO encouraged the increase in the production of military equipment
Another important side is creativity and the power of innovation. “To be secure in the future, we must outsmart our enemies,” said Mark Rutte. He showed that innovation must be stimulated and accelerated through a network of test centers in NATO countries, but also through investments in technology and financing startups in the field of defense, in order to develop “a new generation of innovators”.
Cooperation is “the reason for this industry forum” that takes place in Bucharest, Rutte said, emphasizing that NATO wants to cooperate with Ukraine, but also with the countries of the Pacific region, nominating Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea. “We have a lot to learn from each other. And by combining our efforts we can produce more and increase innovation,” the head of NATO said.
He assured that there is political will to invest more in defense, after mentioning that our country plans to increase military spending to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2030.
“The policy is there, the money is there, the demand is there and our security depends on it,” Rutte told businessmen, asking them to increase production, deliver faster, expand production lines and build new ones.
“Don't be afraid, because we have to face the real needs of today. What you produce will be bought”, assured Rutte.
The Secretary General of the Alliance that with the increase in the production of military equipment that will ensure the protection of member countries, there will also be economic growth and more jobs.
The NATO Forum in Bucharest gathers 900 participants, includes 300 events and was described by Rutte as one of the largest events of its kind.
