Rutte: NATO has surpassed Russia in ammunition production

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has declared that the Alliance has overtaken Russia in ammunition production, signaling a significant strategic shift in Europe’s defence posture.

Speaking to defence industry leaders, Rutte underscored that Russia remains a destabilizing force not only in Europe but globally, Caliber.Az reports.

“For the foreseeable future, Russia will remain a destabilizing force in Europe and the world,” Rutte said. He also highlighted Russia’s collaboration with China, North Korea, Iran, and other nations, warning that these partnerships are enhancing defence industrial capabilities to “unprecedented levels” and preparing for a long-term confrontation. 

Rutte invoked President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s World War II-era maxim: “’Powerful enemies must be out-fought and out-produced.’ That was in 1942, and the same can be said today. We call it peace through strength. NATO will do its part, and we need industry to do yours.”

He emphasized three key drivers for NATO’s strategy: quantity, creativity, and cooperation.

“First, on quantity, we already have state-of-the-art systems—the best of the best. These give us an edge, and we will keep it sharp,” Rutte said. “Which we need more, and we need fast. That means increasing production and shortening delivery times. We are already turning the tide on ammunition. Until recently, Russia was producing more ammunition than all NATO Allies put together. But not anymore.”

Across the Alliance, Rutte noted, dozens of new production lines are being opened and existing ones expanded, increasing output beyond levels seen in decades. This effort extends beyond ammunition to include high-end air defence systems and low-cost drone interceptors.

The Secretary General also stressed the importance of creativity and innovation. “To stay safe in the future, we need to outsmart our adversaries, drawing on all our strengths. There are creative minds in this room—from large corporations to small startups. We need what you have to offer, and we live in free societies where your creativity can thrive. Bring your ideas, put your ingenuity to the test, and use NATO as your test bed.”

To support innovation, Rutte highlighted NATO initiatives such as the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), which operates a network of test centers and accelerator sites across NATO countries, and the NATO Innovation Fund, the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund, investing in deep-tech and dual-use startups that strengthen defence, resilience, and security.

Rutte concluded with a message of confidence: “Together, we have what it takes to outgun, out-produce, and outsmart those that seek to harm or diminish us.”

By Vafa Guliyeva