NATO needs a 400 percent increase in air and missile defenses, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will say in a speech in London later today, "Reuters" reports. and "Agence France-Presse", quoted by News.bg.
The issue is one of the priorities of the summit of member states in The Hague later this month.
Rutte will note that in order for NATO to maintain a reliable deterrent and defense system, a "400% increase in air and missile defense" is necessary.
"We see in Ukraine how Russia is wreaking terror from the air, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies. Our armies also need thousands more armoured vehicles and tanks, millions more artillery shells and we need to double our capabilities, such as logistics, supply, transport and medical support," he will demand.
Rutte will make his remarks ahead of a NATO summit in the Netherlands this month, where US President Donald Trump is pressuring alliance members to announce significant increases in their military budgets.
Trump has been pushing member states to increase their defence spending to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP), compared to the current target of 2%.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said in Brussels last week that allies were close to an agreement on the 5% target, which could be formalised at a summit in The Hague.
NATO member states have been struggling to strengthen their defence capabilities since Russia started its war against Ukraine in February 2022.
"The danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine is over", Rutte will warn. "We need a quantum leap in our collective defense. We must have more strength and capabilities to fully implement our defense plans".
Rutte will visit London next week, where he is expected to welcome Britain's new defense strategy.
Last week, the United Kingdom announced plans to build up to 12 nuclear submarines and six munitions factories to rearm the country in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.