NATO to share classified military information with industry, EU
Two leaders shake hands at a joint press conference following a meeting in Berlin on November 4, 2024. (AFP Photo)
NATO has reportedly initiated a process to share select classified military capability targets with the defense industry and some standards with the European Union, aiming to boost production capacity and harmonize military operations among allies.
The move comes as the alliance shifts toward a “wartime mindset” under its new Secretary General, Mark Rutte, amid heightened defense concerns spurred by Russia’s war in Ukraine and the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.
Sharing capability targets with industry
NATO’s plan to share its highly classified capability targets, which dictate the weapons and equipment member states need to produce, is intended to encourage the defense industry to ramp up production.
According to individuals familiar with the matter, the alliance is working on a way to safely share aggregated targets without compromising security. The initiative requiring consensus among member states could be finalized in the coming months.
Rutte has emphasized the urgency of increasing production: “There’s money on the table, and it will only increase,” he said during a December speech, calling on defense companies to expand production lines and extend work hours.
Closer coordination with the EU
In a parallel effort, NATO has begun sharing some classified military standards with the EU, aligning with the alliance’s defense strategy.
These standards aim to ensure interoperability among NATO forces and cover technical specifications such as weapon calibers and communication protocols.
The gradual release of this information will allow the EU to standardize norms across military and dual-use areas, including radio frequencies. NATO has already provided the EU with unclassified material standards, which EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius described as an “unprecedented” gesture of trust.
Strengthening NATO-EU relations
Since taking office in October, Rutte has focused on fostering stronger ties between NATO and the EU. His efforts include initiating the sharing of standards and calling on European defense industries to meet increased capability demands.
Under his leadership, NATO is expected to present new capability targets this summer at its annual summit in The Hague.
These targets will likely include a higher defense spending benchmark, raising the current goal of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Context and urgency
The urgency of these initiatives has been heightened by concerns over under-funded NATO members and the possibility of a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Trump, during his previous term, had criticized allies for not meeting defense spending commitments, raising fears of reduced U.S. support.
NATO officials have emphasized the importance of collaboration with the defense industry and maintaining cohesion among allies in response to evolving security challenges.
