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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected next week to pressure European arms industry companies to increase investment and production as the alliance aims to bolster the continent’s military capabilities and moderate US President Donald Trump’s stance.<\/p>\n
Rutte will meet in Brussels with senior leaders of Europe’s major defense groups to urge them to act quickly and prepare. setting the stage for key announcements at NATO’s annual summit in Ankara in July, according to sources familiar with the matter.<\/p>\n
Ahead of the meeting, companies have been asked to share information on major investments and their capacity to increase production, with a particular focus on areas such as air defense and long-range missiles.<\/p>\n
Rutte regularly holds meetings with European defense industry leaders, but gathering a large number of companies at a meeting it is only considered unusual by industry representatives. His message on NATO’s expectations also shows the urgency within the alliance to demonstrate industrial expansion at the leaders’ summit in Turkey.<\/p>\n
The meeting is expected to be attended by representatives from some of Europe’s biggest arms manufacturers, including Rheinmetall, Safran, Airbus, Saab, MBDA and Leonardo.<\/p>\n
NATO wants the European arms industry to help meet Trump’s demands for increased defense spending as the alliance tries to address his resentment of support for his war against Iran. The investments are also intended to reduce the continent’s dependence on the US, at a time when concerns are growing about US engagement in the region.<\/p>\n
At last year’s summit in The Hague, members agreed to Trump’s request to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. The Ankara summit’s focus on arms deals is expected to show the effect of that decision and give Trump an opportunity to take credit for it, officials briefed on the preparations said.<\/p>\n
Rutte wants European defense companies to invest quickly, without waiting for large new orders from governments.<\/p>\n
In recent years, Europe’s arms companies and defense ministries have clashed over the causes of the continent’s lack of military production. The companies have criticized governments for not signing long-term supply contracts, while states argue that the industry has not increased production capacity fast enough.<\/p>\n
Despite these tensions, Rutte also wants to hear from companies on the obstacles that are preventing them from ramping up production to meet NATO’s needs.<\/p>\n
While European companies have made strides to address munitions shortages, the lack of long-range missiles remains one of the main problems for the countries. European.<\/p>\n
Germany is trying to buy US Tomahawk missiles to bolster its defense against Russia, a process that has become more urgent after the Pentagon abandoned plans to deploy its own equipment. At the same time, Europe is asking domestic industry to accelerate the development of alternatives.<\/p>\n
In early May, the Pentagon announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, amid a clash between Trump and Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war in Iran. This conflict has also led the US to spend “years” of critical munitions stockpile.<\/p>\n
Both developments have been described as “new awakenings” for Europe on the need to quickly increase production and defense capabilities.<\/p>\n
If European NATO allies reach the 5% spending target, this would translate into a combined increase of about $1 trillion a year in defense spending. by 2035 compared to 2024.<\/p>\n
NATO officials say they aim for clear agreements in areas where European militaries depend heavily on the US: air defense, long-range missiles and intelligence and surveillance capabilities, including space satellites.<\/p>\n
Some companies are expected to present plans to build new factories, increase personnel, secure raw materials and strengthen supply chains, while the reduction of dependence on Chinese and Taiwanese components will also be discussed.<\/p>\n
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