Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced the contract during the Chamber of Commerce industry day in Washington, highlighting the importance of a strong defense industry to provide robust defense.

The Stinger missile is a portable surface-to-air defense system that can be carried and fired by troops or mounted onto vehicles for short-range defense against aircraft. Originally produced by Raytheon, the system gained prominence when it was used to support Ukraine following Russia's invasion in 2022. However, the subsequent push to increase defense capabilities revealed a significant gap in production levels within defense firms in the United States and Europe.

The NATO summit, taking place against a backdrop of uncertainty, seeks to address these shortcomings. Political divisions in the United States delayed the provision of weapons to Ukraine, and concerns about the upcoming presidential election raise doubts about guaranteed U.S. support – both in terms of weapons and troops – in the face of threats against member countries.

The current drive to boost defense production is not only in response to recent events but also due to the realization that defense production lines were stagnant during the 2022 invasion. Efforts are now focused on building new factories and securing longer-term contracts to support capital investment in necessary infrastructure.

This push for bolstered industrial defense capacity is further fueled by Russia's estimated 7% to 9% GDP spending on defense, along with the need to replenish depleted stockpiles. While 23 out of 32 NATO members are expected to meet the commitment of spending 2% of their GDP on defense this year, the alliance acknowledges that more needs to be done. Russia's ability to rapidly replace lost weapons in the war has underscored the necessity of having a robust defense industry.

Estonia, having increased its defense spending to over 3% of its GDP, recognizes the urgency of refilling its stockpiles. Similarly, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz pledges that Poland will commit at least 4% of its GDP to defense this year, acknowledging the vulnerabilities exposed by the war in Ukraine.

Since the invasion in 2022, the United States has provided over $53.6 billion in weaponry and security assistance to Ukraine, straining its own stockpile. Other NATO members and international partners have collectively contributed approximately $50 billion in weapons and security assistance, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan addressed the gathering at the Chamber of Commerce, asserting that NATO countries will now pledge to strengthen their own industrial defense capacity. By doing so, the alliance aims to prioritize the production of vital defense equipment in the event of a conflict, ensuring a stronger and more self-sufficient defense posture.

With the signing of the Stinger missile contract and a renewed focus on defense manufacturing capabilities, NATO reaffirms its commitment to providing its member countries with the necessary means to protect their sovereignty and deter future attacks.