Current level of ammunition use by Ukraine is many times higher than production level of NATO countries, - Stoltenberg
NATO allies intend to ramp up industrial production of weapons and ammunition to replenish their own arsenals devastated by Russia’s war against Ukraine, and to help Ukraine in the future.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this at a press conference before the two-day meeting of defense ministers of the Alliance countries, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.
"Ministers will consider measures to strengthen deterrence and defense... I expect the Allies to adopt new directives for NATO's defense planning. This will be a key driver for changes in our capabilities and will ensure robust deterrence and defense for years to come. Ministers will also consider how to increase our defense industrial capabilities and replenish weapons stockpiles," the head of the Alliance said.
"The war in Ukraine ... is devastating the arsenals of allies. Ukraine's current level of munitions use is many times higher than our production level. This is putting pressure on our defense industry. For example, the wait for large-caliber ammunition has increased from 12 to 26 months. Orders placed today will be delivered in just two and a half years. So we have to increase production and invest in its industrial capacity," Stoltenberg added.
He noted that NATO has just completed a stockpile review of ammunition and intends to increase it as part of the defense planning process. The good news is that several allies, including the US and France, have already signed new multi-year contracts with the defense industry, allowing for targeted investment in increased production capacity.
"I hope to achieve rapid progress in this work. This will allow us to help Ukraine and at the same time ensure the protection of every inch of the Alliance's territory," the NATO Secretary General emphasized.
