Rutte: Europeans should not worry about the US, but should strengthen defence five times more

Secretary - General NATO, Mark Rutte, has called for a dramatic increase in the Alliance's air defence capacities.

According to him, they should grow by 400 percent, or five times more than they currently are.

The “will take a little time, but we'll get there”, he said.

Rutte added that the United States understands the importance of a Europe, the Arctic and Atlantic sure of their protection, stressing that this strengthens even more US ties with NATO.

The chief of the most powerful military alliance in the world also encouraged European countries not to worry about the role of the United States and to focus on making their commitments and investments easier on mutual protection.

This makes us strong and strengthens the US position within the Alliance”, he said.

Otherwise, security experts see this as a clear signal that NATO is planning to reinforce its air capacities in the face of new global challenges and threats in the region. /Telegraphy/

NATO's Rutte on air deficit:

We need to draw up by 400% five times what we have currently in terms of air density.

That will of course take some time, but we will get there. Pic.twitter. com/Dww ZPoYd6K

) Clas Report (@clashreport) Febirary 26, 2026