Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Addressing the NATO Industrial Forum in Stockholm, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the vital relationship between NATO, Allies and industry when it comes to ensuring support for Ukraine, enhancing deterrence and defence, and maintaining the Alliance's technological superiority. .
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who participated in the NATO Industrial Forum two days ago, stressed that while some investors “have a misguided idea that the defense industry is somehow ‘unethical’” – there is nothing unethical about defending allies or helping soldiers. Ukrainians in defense of their country. He said: “In fact, without industry, there is no defence, deterrence, or security.” A NATO statement issued on Friday evening, which included Stoltenberg’s speech at a forum held two days earlier, said, “NATO’s relationship with industry has become more important than ever since the Russian invasion.” The Secretary-General said: “We now need to increase production to meet Ukraine’s needs, but "Also to enhance our deterrence and defense."
Stoltenberg emphasized that the Allies have implemented the largest strengthening of our collective defense since the Cold War and increased defense spending. At the Vilnius summit, the Allies further intensified their steps, including a new action plan for defense production to aggregate demand, enhance capacity, enhance engagement with industry and increase interoperability.
The Secretary-General also stressed the importance of collaboration with the private sector in the field of innovation, saying: “NATO needs industry as we navigate a world shaped by revolutionary new technologies. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, biotechnology, and quantum are changing the nature of conflict as much as The Industrial Revolution changes. This means that “we must continually refine our technological superiority by developing and adopting new technologies; collaborating with the private sector; shaping global standards; and embedding the principles of responsible use enshrined in our democratic values.”
This year marks the first time that a NATO invited country has hosted the NATO Industrial Forum. This shows how close Sweden really is to the Alliance, the Secretary-General said, adding that he looks forward to welcoming Sweden as a full NATO Ally soon.