Europe Significantly Boosts Military Production: Rutte on Growth and Security Challenges
Over the past two years, the European Union has made substantial strides in ramping up its ammunition manufacturing capabilities, notably in producing artillery shells.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that since two years ago, when European countries began intensifying military production, their industrial capacities have increased sixfold.
This expansion allows Europe to respond more effectively to modern security threats and enhances its defensive resilience.
During the inauguration of Rheinmetall’s largest plant in Unterlüß, Germany, Rutte emphasized that European annual artillery ammunition production now exceeds two million units, with expectations to reach further heights by year’s end.
Rheinmetall plays a pivotal role in this growth, supplying a significant share of the increased output.
The company’s CEO noted that the plant in Unterlüß alone plans to produce over 350,000 shells annually.
Globally, Rheinmetall aims to manufacture around 700,000 artillery rounds this year.
This industrial push is crucial amid growing military pressures from Russia and China, who are rapidly expanding their armed forces.
Rutte urged European defense manufacturers to increase their production of tanks, air defense systems, and missiles, stressing that strengthening the continent’s military industrial base is essential.
Drawing lessons from Ukraine’s resilience and technological innovations in defense, NATO advocates restarting and modernizing production lines, accelerating processes, and securing components to meet urgent demand.
Rutte also highlighted the importance of reducing dependence on raw materials from third countries to prevent supply disruptions.
The German defense industry, exemplified by Rheinmetall, has been at the forefront, with significant investments such as constructing a new plant in just 14 months.
He noted that modern industry and technological advances are vital for regional security, especially against the backdrop of Russia’s and China’s ongoing military expansion.
Russia is projected to produce at least 1,500 tanks, hundreds of Iskander missile systems, and thousands of armored vehicles this year.
China, with the largest navy and major defense companies globally, is preparing for long-term confrontation and competition with NATO.
Rutte commended Germany’s leadership in increasing defense spending—nearly €153 billion through 2029—and emphasized that this sets a powerful example for other allies to follow, reinforcing the alliance’s strategic strength and stability.