Copenhagen, Sept. 20 (SANA)NATO military chiefs called on the defense industry to increase production and speed up deliveries, saying allied countries are prepared to make large-scale purchases as they seek to strengthen collective deterrence and defense.

The call came at the conclusion of theNATO Military Committee’sannual conference in Copenhagen, where chiefs of defense reviewed the implementation of decisions from the alliance’s Ankara summit and discussed military readiness, new defense capabilities, technology and continued support for Ukraine.

NATO military leaders delivered a direct message to defense manufacturers: demand is clear and industry needs to deliver equipment with greater speed, scale and predictability.

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, said the alliance was shifting its focus from budget commitments to delivering the capabilities required to deter potential adversaries and defend the Euro-Atlantic area.

He said increased defense investment must translate into ready forces, operational capabilities and executable plans.

The military chiefs identified air and missile defense, drones, cybersecurity and space capabilities among NATO’s priorities, alongside greater military readiness and the ability to operate across multiple domains.

They also emphasized protecting critical infrastructure, including undersea cables, energy networks and digital systems, with Cavo Dragone describing resilience as central to NATO’s deterrence and defense strategy.

At a press conference following the meeting, Cavo Dragone criticized what he called Russia’s “reckless behavior,” citing airspace violations, drone incidents and hybrid activities that he said were testing NATO allies.

Danish Chief of Defense Gen. Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard said NATO members remained committed to strengthening the alliance, advancing innovation and technology and supporting Ukraine.

The conference also electedGerman Chief of Defense Gen.Carsten Breuer as the next chair of the NATO Military Committee. He is due to take office in summer 2027 for a three-year term.

The Military Committee is NATO’s highest military authority. Its chiefs of defense meet twice a year at NATO headquarters in Brussels and once annually at a conference hosted by an allied country.