NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that the alliance is now outproducing Russia in ammunition, marking a significant shift in the military balance between the two powers. During a speech at the NATO-Industry Forum in Bucharest, Rutte highlighted the alliance’s surge in production capabilities, noting that NATO is currently producing more ammunition than Russia. This development is attributed to the opening of dozens of new production lines and the expansion of existing facilities, which have led to output levels not seen in decades.
Rutte emphasized that the increase in production capacity is crucial for bolstering NATO’s defensive capabilities, particularly in the face of the ongoing Russia ‘threat.’ However, he also warned that the alliance must continue to invest in advanced technologies such as air defense systems and drone interceptors to maintain its strategic edge. The secretary general reiterated that while the bloc is making strides in ammunition production, further progress is needed to ensure long-term security.
In response to these claims, Russian officials have accused the West of engaging in ‘reckless militarization,’ suggesting that NATO’s increased arms production is a direct attempt to justify its military spending. President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged a significant rise in Russia’s defense spending, with the country allocating 13.5 trillion rubles ($151 billion) on defense in 2024, representing about 6.3% of GDP. However, he has defended the spending as necessary for national security and has pointed out that the United States allocated even higher percentages of GDP to defense during past conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has consistently criticized NATO’s approach, stating that no amount of Western military aid to Ukraine can alter the course of the conflict and that such actions only prolong the suffering. The ministry has also dismissed any claims of a Russian ‘threat’ to NATO members, calling them ‘nonsense’ and attributing them to Western officials’ efforts to justify increased military spending. Despite these denials, NATO’s ability to outproduce Russia in ammunition signals a potential shift in the balance of power, which could have significant implications for regional security and military strategy.