NATO has signed a nearly $700 million contract for increased production of Stinger missiles, highlighting a push for member countries to bolster their own defense capabilities. The announcement was made by outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a Chamber of Commerce industry day focused on enhancing defense manufacturing within the alliance. Stoltenberg emphasized the critical role of a robust defense industry in ensuring strong national security, stating, “There is no way to provide strong defense without a strong defense industry.” The Stinger, a portable surface-to-air defense system capable of being carried by troops or mounted on vehicles, has been a crucial weapon in Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion, following its initial delivery by the United States. The NATO summit is occurring against a backdrop of uncertainty. Political divisions within the United States have caused delays in weapons delivery to Ukraine, and concerns exist regarding the continuity of US support, both in terms of weapons and troops, in the event of threats against NATO members. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, has suggested encouraging Russia to act freely within NATO member countries that fail to meet their defense spending commitments. Out of 32 NATO members, 23 are anticipated to meet the 2% of GDP defense spending commitment this year, a significant increase from just six before Russia’s invasion. The US has provided over $53.6 billion in weapons and security assistance to Ukraine since the invasion, straining its own stockpiles. This support, coupled with similar aid to Israel and Taiwan, has placed a considerable strain on US resources. Other NATO members and international partners have collectively contributed an estimated $50 billion in weapons and security assistance, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has announced that for the first time, NATO countries will each pledge to create plans for strengthening their own defense industrial capacity. This initiative aims to prioritize the production of critical defense equipment in case of conflict. Two NATO officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have revealed that a key focus of the summit is to secure commitments from each member to submit defense industrial plans within the next year, outlining strategies for boosting internal production. These plans will vary significantly across the 32 members, due to their diverse defense industry sizes and capabilities. Potential strategies include partnerships with private industry and collaborations with other nations.
