NATO demands 400% arms buildup as Russia outpaces West

NATO Secretary General Mark Ruta is calling for a massive jump in Europe's defense spending

especially on air and missile defense. In a speech at Chatham House in London, Ruta said NATO needs a 400% increase in air defense

capabilities to keep pace with Russia. He warned even if the war in Ukraine ends

the threat from Moscow won't. Ruta says the alliance needs a generational investment in

its broader defense readiness posture, everything from armored vehicles and artillery to cyber and

logistics. The fact is we need a quantum leap in our collective defense. The fact is we must have

more forces and capabilities to implement our defense plans in full. The fact is danger will

not disappear, even when the war in Ukraine ends. According to NATO estimates, Russia plans to build

1,500 tanks, 3,000 armored vehicles, and 200 Iskander missiles next year alone. Ruta's push

lines up with President Donald Trump's demand that NATO members spend 5% of its GDP on defense

Ruta is pitching a compromise 3 for direct military costs plus 1 for related security upgrades like civil infrastructure and cyber resilience Right now just 22 of NATO 32 member countries meet the older 2 spending target

And none of the countries meet Trump's 5% goal, not even the United States

This funding debate will take stage at NATO summit in The Hague later this month

Meanwhile, many countries are already adjusting their budgets. The UK plans to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027

Germany is going further, 3% by 2027 and 3.5% thereafter. Germany is also reviving its Cold War-era civil defense network

Officials plan to retrofit metro stations, tunnels, and public buildings to create a million shelter spaces over the next decade

The total cost of that project will be around $45 billion, maybe more

And it's probably why Ruta is pitching a compromise, which would include some infrastructure projects in defense spending

Clearly, the urgency is growing. European officials say Russia could rearm within four years

As Ruta put it, hope is not a strategy. NATO, he said, must become stronger, faster, and more prepared for whatever comes next

For more of our unbiased, straight-fact reporting like this, download the Straight Arrow News app today