The urgent need to increase weapons and ammunition production will be at the center of Tuesday's meeting of NATO military chiefs in Brussels, amid concerns that the war with Iran is rapidly consuming the alliance's military reserves.
According to data released by the Pentagon on May 12, the conflict has so far cost the US military over $29 billion, while the US is using significant amounts of ammunition and advanced Patriot air defense systems.
NATO allies fear that complex military equipment cannot be replaced at the necessary pace, jeopardizing the alliance's defensive capabilities and deterrent power at a time when Russia continues to be considered a threat to European security.
The meeting at NATO headquarters will be chaired by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Alexus G. Grynkewich, while NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, will also be present.
A senior NATO military source told Euronews that the war in Iran has shown even more clearly the need to increase military production on a large scale.
"We need a lot more resources and ammunition, as well as the ability to increase production rapidly. We currently do not have this capacity," the source stated.
According to officials, one of the main concerns is the impact this situation could have on military supplies to Ukraine. European NATO countries fear that American weapons and defense systems ordered for Kiev could be delayed or not delivered at all.
The meeting also comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Northern Europe. On May 15, an air raid alert was issued in Finland after the military reported drones entering Finnish airspace, and Helsinki Airport was temporarily closed.
Another issue expected to be discussed is the recent US decision to cancel the deployment of a brigade of over 4 troops to Poland, a move that, according to sources, was taken unexpectedly and has raised questions about the positioning of American forces in Europe.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump continues to warn Iran amid diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared that "time is of the essence," but then said he would call off a strike at the request of Gulf countries, adding that an "acceptable" deal remains possible, with the main condition being that Iran does not have nuclear weapons.
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