NATO Allies to Invest Over USD 40 Billion in Counter-Drone Defenses Over Next Five Years, Rutte Says

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Reuters and AFP, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said in Ankara on Tuesday, July 7, that NATO allies will invest more than USD 40 billion (about SGD 52 billion) over the next five years to strengthen counter-drone defense capabilities. Rutte said European countries are increasing defense spending, expanding defense industrial projects, and taking on more responsibility for Europe’s continental defense, describing the shift as a “stronger Europe, stronger NATO” and “NATO 3.0.” The report said U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Europe for providing insufficient support to the U.S. in the Iran war and for moving too slowly, while European leaders are seeking to avoid renewed summit divisions by pointing to arms purchases and deployments tied to counter-drone, air defense, and maritime security efforts, and by trying to keep the U.S. engaged in NATO defense.