Nato Chief Rutte has said: we are not ready for what is coming in 4-5 years... it is time to shift to a wartime mindset

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte issued a stark warning on Thursday, stating that the U.S.-led transatlantic alliance is unprepared for the long-term threats posed by Russia and calling for a "wartime mindset" with significantly increased defense spending.

Speaking in Brussels, Rutte emphasized that NATO's current defense spending target—2% of national GDP—would not suffice to address the challenges ahead. "Russia is preparing for long-term confrontation, with Ukraine and with us," Rutte said. "We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years. It is time to shift to a wartime mindset, and turbocharge our defense production and defense spending."

Higher Spending Needed

Rutte highlighted the need for NATO members to exceed the 2% GDP target, citing historical precedents. "During the Cold War, Europeans spent far more than 3% of their GDP on defense. We are going to need a lot more than 2%," he noted.

This comes as NATO estimates that 23 of its 32 members will meet the 2% target in 2024. Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has renewed calls for allies to raise defense spending to 3% of GDP.

Strengthening Defense Production

Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister, urged NATO governments to enhance defense production and eliminate barriers within industries, banks, and pension funds. He also encouraged the defense industry to take bold steps. "There is money on the table, and it will only increase. So dare to innovate and take risks," he said.

Broader Security Threats

The NATO chief warned of a "coordinated campaign to destabilize our societies," citing cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and assassination attempts as tools being used by adversaries. He also expressed concern over China's growing military ambitions, pointing out Beijing's rapid force buildup with "no transparency and no limitations."

Rutte's comments underscore the urgency of adapting NATO's strategy and resources to meet evolving global threats, as member nations navigate renewed geopolitical tensions and pressure to bolster collective defense.