NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has delivered a stark warning on the state of global security, emphasising the need for enhanced defence production, spending, and preparedness to counter rising threats from Russia, China, and other adversaries.
Speaking at an event organised by Carnegie Europe, Rutte outlined the significant challenges facing NATO nations and called on citizens, governments, and industries to act decisively to ensure future security.
A Grave Security Landscape
Rutte described the current security environment as the most perilous in his lifetime. He pointed to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which has caused over a million casualties since February 2022, and highlighted President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to dismantle Europe’s security architecture. “Putin is trying to wipe Ukraine off the map,” Rutte stated, adding that the Kremlin’s actions aim to undermine NATO’s freedom and way of life.
Russia’s military expenditure is expected to reach 7-8% of GDP by 2025, its highest level since the Cold War. Coupled with significant production of military equipment and support from allies such as China, Iran, and North Korea, Rutte warned that Russia is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with NATO.
Hostile Actions and Coordinated Campaigns
The NATO chief detailed a series of hostile actions against Allied nations, including cyber-attacks, assassination attempts, and disruptions to civil aviation. He argued these are not isolated incidents but part of a coordinated strategy to destabilise NATO countries and erode support for Ukraine. “They circumvent our deterrence and bring the front line to our front doors,” Rutte said.
China was also singled out as a major concern due to its military build-up and ambitions to reshape the global order. By 2030, China is expected to possess over 1,000 nuclear warheads, alongside advancements in space capabilities and disruptive technologies. Rutte called for vigilance, noting that China’s activities, including its pursuit of access to critical infrastructure, could severely impact NATO countries.
A Call for Action: Defence Production and Spending
Rutte emphasised the urgent need to accelerate defence production, criticising decades of underinvestment and fragmented European defence industries. “Our industry is too small, too fragmented, and too slow,” he remarked, contrasting NATO’s pace with the rapid expansion of Russian and Chinese military-industrial capacities.
The Secretary General urged governments to provide defence industries with large-scale, long-term contracts and to remove bureaucratic barriers hindering innovation. He also called for changes to outdated procurement processes, citing unnecessary delays caused by national requirements.
On defence spending, Rutte reiterated NATO’s commitment to investing “at least” 2% of GDP, but warned that this benchmark is insufficient to address modern threats. He compared current spending levels to those during the Cold War, when European nations allocated over 3% of GDP to defence, and stressed the need for greater political leadership to prioritise security investments.
Engaging Citizens in the Defence Effort
Rutte appealed directly to citizens in NATO countries, emphasising their role in influencing political decisions. He called on individuals to support increased defence spending and to challenge financial institutions that refuse to invest in the defence industry. “Defence is not in the same category as illicit drugs and pornography,” he stated, arguing that investing in defence is essential for preserving security and freedom.
He also highlighted the sacrifices of Ukrainian citizens, who allocate a quarter of their GDP to defence, as a sobering reminder of the costs of unpreparedness. “If we don’t spend more together now to prevent war, we will pay a much higher price later to fight it,” he warned.
Preparing for the Future
Despite NATO’s current deterrence measures, including increased troop readiness and military exercises, Rutte expressed concern about the Alliance’s ability to face future threats. He emphasised the need for a “wartime mindset” to ensure NATO’s long-term security and prevent conflict from reaching Allied territory.
Rutte concluded his speech by reaffirming NATO’s collective strength and urging unity among its 32 member states. “When we put our minds and political will to it, there is nothing we cannot do – Europe and North America together,” he said. He reminded adversaries that NATO’s commitment to democratic values and collective defence remains resolute, stating, “There is no greater power than democracies coming together.”
Story/Image: NATO NEWSROOM
