NATO signs $700 million contract for Stinger missile procurement

Europe, News, US July 12, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

NATO signed a $700 million contract with the U.S.-based defense giant, Raytheon, to produce more Stinger missiles and various pledges to enhance national defense capabilities.

The announcements were made at the NATO summit in Washington, highlighting the alliance’s focus on supporting Ukraine and preparing for future threats.

Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg unveiled the contract during a Chamber of Commerce industry day focused on bolstering NATO members’ defense manufacturing capabilities. “There is no way to provide strong defense without a strong defense industry,” Stoltenberg emphasized.

The Stinger missile, a portable surface-to-air defense system, was among the first weapons the U.S. provided to Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion. Since then, a wide array of systems, including artillery and missiles, has been supplied to Ukraine, revealing the inadequacies of current defense production levels in both the U.S. and Europe.

Bolstering defense industry amid US elections

This strategic move is intended to ensure that regardless of whether President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump wins the upcoming election, both NATO and Ukraine will be better positioned to meet their defense needs independently.

Ukraine, a key NATO partner heavily reliant on military aid from the alliance members, is taking steps to solidify its connection with the U.S. defense industry by opening a small office in Washington.

NATO leaders Washington Summit — *^{Leaders of the North Atlantic Council pose for a group photo at the NATO Summit in Washington. (Image Credit: X/POTUS)}*

The Stinger missile system was one of the first weapons the United States shipped to Ukraine following the Russian invasion. It is now among hundreds of types of systems, and tens of millions of rounds of ammunition, artillery, and missiles, that countries have pulled from their stockpiles to help Ukraine. But the rapid push over the past two years exposed that defense firms both in the U.S. and in Europe were not set to produce at the levels needed in a major conventional war.

Increasing defense production

The recent NATO leaders summit underscored the pressing need for increased defense production, especially given the political divisions within the U.S. that have delayed weapon shipments to Ukraine. The upcoming presidential election adds to concerns about the continuity of U.S. support for NATO, particularly in the face of potential threats to member countries.

The war in Ukraine has prompted many NATO members to increase their defense spending significantly. Before Russia’s invasion, only six out of 32 NATO members met the 2% GDP defense spending commitment. This year, 23 members are expected to meet this target, though this is still considered insufficient given Russia’s capacity to rapidly replace lost weapons.

U.S. troops fire Stinger missile from Stryker vehicle — *_{^{U.S. troops fire a Stinger missile from their Stryker armored fighting vehicle during the Saber Strike military drill in Rutja, Estonia, on March 10, 2022. (Image Credit: Reuters/Ints Kalnins)}}*

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur noted that Russia is currently spending an estimated 7% to 9% of its GDP on defense. Estonia, on the other hand, is committing more than 3% of its GDP to defense, with plans to further enhance its stockpiles. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz echoed this sentiment, stating that Poland will allocate at least 4% of its GDP to defense this year.

Since the onset of the invasion, the U.S. has provided over $53.6 billion in weapons and security assistance to Ukraine. This substantial support, coupled with ongoing aid to Israel and Taiwan, has strained U.S. stockpiles. NATO members and other international partners have collectively contributed approximately $50 billion in weapons and security assistance.