Washington, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday called on NATO member states to strengthen their industrial base, noting that Russia is now on a war footing with regard to defense production.
Two years ago, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) launched a plan to modernize its deterrent and defense system, Biden said during a working session of the NATO summit here.
"Today, we have to ask ourselves what's next? How can we strengthen the shield? One answer would be to strengthen our industrial base," he said.
"Right now, Russia is on war footing with respect to defense production. They are significantly increasing their production of weapons, munitions and vehicles. And they are doing so with the help of China, North Korea and Iran. In my view , the President said, we cannot let the alliance lag behind.
"I'm very pleased that today, all NATO members are pledging to expand our industrial base and our industrial capability, just like our defense-spending commitment. This is an important step forward in maintaining our security," Biden said. " For the first time, every NATO nation is pledging to develop plans for defense production at home.
"This means that as an alliance, we will become more innovative and competitive. We are able to more quickly produce more critical defense equipment as and when we need it," he said.
Two years ago, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) launched a plan to modernize its deterrent and defense system, Biden said during a working session of the NATO summit here.
"Today, we have to ask ourselves what's next? How can we strengthen the shield? One answer would be to strengthen our industrial base," he said.
"Right now, Russia is on war footing with respect to defense production. They are significantly increasing their production of weapons, munitions and vehicles. And they are doing so with the help of China, North Korea and Iran. In my view , the President said, we cannot let the alliance lag behind.
"I'm very pleased that today, all NATO members are pledging to expand our industrial base and our industrial capability, just like our defense-spending commitment. This is an important step forward in maintaining our security," Biden said. " For the first time, every NATO nation is pledging to develop plans for defense production at home.
"This means that as an alliance, we will become more innovative and competitive. We are able to more quickly produce more critical defense equipment as and when we need it," he said.
