NATO Surpasses Russia in Ammunition Production

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on November 6, 2025, during the NATO-Industry Forum in Bucharest, that NATO has surpassed Russia in ammunition production. Rutte stated, "Until recently, Russia was producing more ammunition than all NATO Allies put together. But not anymore." This shift is attributed to the expansion of defense production capacity across NATO member states, with many countries opening new production lines and enhancing existing ones. Rutte emphasized the importance of a robust defense industry, asserting, "There simply is no strong defense without a strong defense industry."

Kyiv IndependentRutte calls for faster NATO defence productionNATO Secretary General visits Romania and addresses NATO-Industry Forum in BucharestNATO says allies have overtaken Russia on ammunition output, as Rutte urges long-term industrial surge

Rutte's remarks come amid ongoing efforts by European nations to bolster their defense industries in response to the security challenges posed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He highlighted that NATO leaders have committed to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, aiming to enhance procurement of critical military systems, including drones and ammunition. Rutte warned that the threat from Russia is persistent and will not diminish even after the conflict in Ukraine concludes, citing Russia's growing military cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea as a long-term concern.

Kyiv IndependentNATO head claims military bloc outproducing Russia in ammoRutte calls for faster NATO defence productionNATO Secretary General visits Romania and addresses NATO-Industry Forum in Bucharest

During his visit to Romania, Rutte expressed gratitude for the country's contributions to NATO, particularly regarding Black Sea security and support for Ukraine. He stated, "Romania is invested in NATO – and, let me be clear, NATO is invested in Romania." Rutte called for industry leaders to increase production and innovate to meet the rising security demands, urging them to "step up supply, expand existing production lines, and open new ones."

NATO Secretary General visits Romania and addresses NATO-Industry Forum in BucharestRutte calls for faster NATO defence productionKyiv IndependentNATO says allies have overtaken Russia on ammunition output, as Rutte urges long-term industrial surge

In contrast, Russian officials have dismissed NATO's claims of increased ammunition production as "nonsense," asserting that they have no intention of attacking NATO member states. They argue that such statements are attempts by Western officials to justify increased military spending. Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized that Russia's defense spending has significantly increased, with arms production reportedly rising dramatically since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict.

NATO head claims military bloc outproducing Russia in ammoKyiv IndependentNATO says allies have overtaken Russia on ammunition output, as Rutte urges long-term industrial surgeRutte calls for faster NATO defence production

Rutte's announcement indicates a significant turnaround in NATO's ammunition production capabilities, which could enhance supply lines for Ukraine if sustained over the coming years. However, he cautioned that the Russian military's intent and capacity remain formidable, reinforcing the need for NATO to prepare for a prolonged period of deterrence and support for Ukraine. He stated, "The Russian threat will not end when the war in Ukraine ends," highlighting the necessity for long-term stockpiles and industrial resilience.

NATO says allies have overtaken Russia on ammunition output, as Rutte urges long-term industrial surge

• “Until recently, Russia was producing more ammunition than all NATO Allies put together. But not anymore,” — Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General

Kyiv Independent

• “there simply is no strong defense without a strong defense industry,” — Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General

Kyiv Independent

• “We cannot be naive. We must be prepared,” — Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General

NATO Secretary General visits Romania and addresses NATO-Industry Forum in Bucharest

• “The Russian threat will not end when the war in Ukraine ends,” — Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General

NATO says allies have overtaken Russia on ammunition output, as Rutte urges long-term industrial surge

Rutte's statements reflect a broader NATO policy shift towards sustained defense investment and closer collaboration with the defense industry, aiming to ensure readiness against future threats.

Kyiv Independent