NATO Chief Urges to Quadruple Missile Shields Against Russia/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that Russia could launch a military attack within five years, urging member states to quadruple missile and air defenses. He proposed a significant increase in defense spending ahead of a pivotal NATO summit later this month.
NATO Defense Upgrade Urged: Quick Looks
- Rutte warns Russia may attack NATO within five years
- Calls for 400% increase in air and missile defenses
- New defense spending goal: 3.5% of GDP, plus 1.5% infrastructure
- NATO summit in The Hague set for June 24–25
- 22 of 32 members currently meet the 2% GDP spending mark
- Rutte echoes Trump’s call for 5% total defense allocation
- U.K. praised for defense plans, including nuclear sub fleet
- NATO must outpace Russia’s rapid ammunition production
Deep Look: NATO Chief Pushes for Massive Military Boost, Warns of Russian Threat by 2030
London– NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte sounded a stark warning Monday, declaring that Russia could be capable of launching a military strike on NATO territory within the next five years. Speaking from London’s Chatham House, Rutte emphasized the urgent need for what he called a “quantum leap” in collective defense capabilities across the alliance.
To meet this looming threat, Rutte is urging NATO members to quadruple their air and missile defense systems and dramatically increase military spending. He expects the alliance to adopt a new, more aggressive defense spending target at its upcoming summit in The Hague on June 24–25.
New Defense Targets to Replace 2014 Benchmarks
Currently, 22 of NATO’s 32 members meet or exceed the 2% of GDP defense spending target set a decade ago. Rutte wants the alliance to aim far higher — proposing a 3.5% GDP goal for military budgets, along with an additional 1.5% dedicated to defense-related infrastructure such as ports, roads, and airfields.
That combined 5% figure echoes demands made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized NATO allies for underfunding their militaries while relying heavily on American defense.
“America has carried too much of the burden for too long,” Rutte said, aligning himself with Trump’s long-standing position while aiming to rally European members behind a more self-reliant defense structure.
NATO Lagging in Arms, Ammunition Production
Rutte also pointed to a production gap that favors Russia, particularly in ammunition and artillery shells. While Russia has ramped up arms manufacturing since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, NATO’s output continues to lag.
“Wishful thinking will not keep us safe,” Rutte declared. “Hope is not a strategy.”
He stressed the importance of reinforcing Europe’s skies, noting that Ukraine has become a chilling example of Russia’s ability to inflict “terror from above.” The secretary-general argued for a massive increase in missile defense capabilities to prevent similar outcomes in NATO countries.
“We Are All on the Eastern Flank Now”
The Secretary-General underscored the alliance’s strategic shift, warning that no member can afford complacency.
“Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years,” Rutte said. “We are all on the eastern flank now.”
His remarks reinforce the sense of urgency gripping European defense ministries, particularly in the face of evolving U.S. foreign policy under Trump, who has made clear he wants to redefine America’s role in Europe’s security.
U.K. Defense Upgrades Earn Praise
Rutte held talks Monday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, praising the U.K.’s commitment to ramp up its defense budget. Starmer has pledged to raise military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a long-term goal of reaching 3% by 2034.
Last week, Britain unveiled its most sweeping military overhaul since the Cold War, including plans to build new nuclear-powered attack submarines, modernize its army, and shift toward a “battle-ready” posture.
The NATO Puzzle: Unity and Readiness
As Europe reassesses its military posture, the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague will be a litmus test for transatlantic unity. With Russia’s aggression still surging and Iran, China, and North Korea complicating the global order, NATO faces its biggest strategic challenge in decades.
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