NATO strategic objectives prioritized at the Defence Industry Forum in The Hague
The NATO Summit in The Hague, held from June 24 to 25, 2025, was a major event that brought together approximately 9,000 participants, including 45 heads of state and government, defense ministers, military leaders, experts, and defense industry representatives from NATO member states.. In tandem with the summit, the NATO Defence Industry Forum (NATO Defence Industry Forum), the most important event dedicated to cooperation between NATO and the defense industry, was held. The Forum brought together over 1,000 participants and was a framework for strategic dialogue between ministers, military leaders and representatives of defense companies, focusing on integration into NATO supply chains, the development of dual-use technologies and strengthening the role of national industry in the European security ecosystem.
During the event, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski announced a crucial new stage for Ukraine's defense industry: exporting state-of-the-art military technologies and launching joint arms production abroad with EU and NATO partners. The three years of war are an essential source of knowledge for NATO member states that can approach things in a new perspective.
It is essential that the Romanian defense industry joins this initiative.
Ukraine is ready to share its proven technologies developed in real combat with reliable international partners.
The "Build with Ukraine" initiative:: Negotiations are already underway with countries such as Denmark, Norway, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania to establish licensed production of Ukrainian drones, artillery systems, electronics, and electronic warfare (EW) solutions.
Offshore production will enhance security and ensure steady supplies for both Ukraine and its allies, encouraging the formation of international production clusters in the Baltic, Nordic and Central European countries.
Ukraine is asking its allies to contribute 0.25% of their GDP to support the Ukrainian defense industry, building on the $43 billion already secured for domestic production in 2025. Estonia has already embarked on this practice in 2024.
The first agreements under the "Build with Ukraine" program are expected this summer, with production starting by the end of the season. This marks an important transition from pilot projects to full-scale defense cooperation, positioning Ukraine as a strategic defense supplier in global markets.
This initiative is not just about exports, it is about building a stronger and more resilient European defense ecosystem.
The NATO Defense Industry Forum reflected NATO's commitment to strengthen its collective defense and to adjust the defense industry to today's challenges, thus ensuring transatlantic security in the long term.
