NATO is facing an urgent need for a significant upgrade to its air and missile defense capabilities to counter Russian aggression, according to alliance leader Mark Rutte. The current systems are insufficient, with Rutte stating that the alliance needs five times as many systems to defend against missiles and air defense.
Rutte emphasized the need for more armored vehicles, artillery rounds, and enabling capabilities, including logistics and space and cyber capabilities. He also stressed the importance of investing in drones and long-range missile systems to address potential gaps in collective defense.
The warning comes amid reports that Russia is rapidly reconstituting its military at a pace that threatens NATO’s security. Gen. Carsten Breuer, Germany’s chief of defence, has warned that an offensive could happen as early as 2029.
Rutte announced plans to increase defense spending and pledged to send a “clear demand signal” to industry through increased investment. However, the exact timeline for new spending proposals remains unclear, with some NATO members struggling to meet their target of 3.5% GDP on core capabilities.
Source: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/06/nato-chief-calls-for-five-times-more-air-defenses-increase-to-deter-russia