NATO overtakes Russia in ammunition production — Rutte announces new era of deterrence in Bucharest
At the NATO-Industry Forum in Bucharest, Secretary General Mark Rutte declared that the Alliance has overtaken Russia in the production of ammunition — a development he described as a turning point in Europe’s security and industrial strength.
“Until recently, Russia was producing more ammunition than all NATO Allies combined — but not anymore,” Rutte said. “Across the Alliance, we are opening dozens of new production lines and expanding existing ones. We are making more than we have done in decades.” Rutte’s remarks highlight a major shift in the global defense landscape: NATO, long seen as lagging behind Russia in industrial output, now leads in both capacity and coordination. According to him, the West has “caught up technologically, organizationally, and industrially,” marking the beginning of what he called “a new era of deterrence through strength.”Reported by Newstoday24, citing Mark Rutte’s official speech at the NATO-Industry Forum in Bucharest (06.11.2025).
“No strong defense without a strong defense industry”
Addressing government officials, military leaders, and defense executives, Rutte emphasized that Europe’s security depends on its industrial foundation.
“There is no strong defense without a strong defense industry. And sometimes it is that simple,” he stated.
He recalled that during the NATO Summit in The Hague, Alliance leaders committed to investing 5% of GDP in defense by 2035, a move aimed at building long-term production capacity for aircraft, tanks, ships, drones, and cyber systems.
“Cash alone cannot provide security,” Rutte added. “We need real capabilities, real firepower, and the most advanced technology.”
Russia remains a destabilizing force
Rutte warned that Russia’s threat to Europe and the world will not disappear — even after the war in Ukraine ends. “For the foreseeable future, Russia will remain a destabilizing force in Europe and the world,” he said. He also cautioned that Moscow is not acting alone, pointing to deepening defense cooperation with China, North Korea, Iran, and other states.
“They are increasing their defense industrial collaboration to unprecedented levels,” Rutte warned. “They are preparing for long-term confrontation. We cannot be naïve — we must be prepared.”
Quoting former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Rutte reminded the audience: “Powerful enemies must be out-fought and out-produced. That was true in 1942 — and it is true today.”
Three pillars of NATO’s defense strategy
Rutte outlined three key principles for NATO’s new industrial approach:
- Quantity – increasing production and accelerating delivery times.
- Creativity – investing in innovation and new technologies.
- Cooperation – strengthening coordination across governments and the private sector.
“We must outgun, outproduce, and outsmart those who seek to harm us,” he said.
Rutte highlighted NATO’s innovation platforms, including DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) and the NATO Innovation Fund, the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund investing in dual-use technologies to support defense and resilience.
“Dangerous times call for bold action”
The NATO Secretary General called on both political leaders and business executives to take risks in the face of escalating global instability.
“Dangerous times call for bold action,” Rutte said. “Governments must take political risks, and industry must take business risks. The political will is there, the money is there, and the demand is there.”
He promised that NATO would accelerate procurement and contracting to help expand the defense sector:
“I will do all I can to urge governments to sign the contracts — but industry must be ready to deliver.”
Rutte urged companies not to fear potential overcapacity:
“Don’t let the fear of future surplus capacity stop you from meeting the real needs we face today. I am confident that what you produce will be purchased.”
The rise of industrial deterrence
Rutte framed the transformation as a return to industrial deterrence, where factories and innovation are as crucial as soldiers and strategy.
“When industry steps up supply, the result is not only more security — it’s also more growth and more jobs,” he noted.
“The defense dividend is real, and our mission could not be more worthy.”
The Secretary General concluded with a call for unity and determination:
“Let’s work together to deliver a safer and more prosperous future for all of us.”
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