Reuters: NATO Urgently Changes Approach To Armaments Because Of The War In Ukraine
- 6.05.2026, 20:05
In practice, simple and affordable solutions are the most effective.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the experience of the war in Ukraine shows the need to accelerate defense development and move from ideal solutions to systems that can be produced and used quickly in combat conditions.
This is reported by Reuters.
The fighting in Ukraine over Russia's invasion has signaled a shift in priorities for the defense industry.
The main conclusion is that on the battlefield, what matters more than imperfect weapons is their availability, scalability and readiness for immediate use.
According to experts, an over-reliance on technological "perfection" often leads to arms shortages and supply delays, which are critical in active combat situations.
General Manager of Robin Radar USA Christian Brost noted that in today's environment, "an imperfect solution now is better than a perfect solution later."
The company is developing drone detection radars that are already being used by Ukraine and U.S. allies.
He emphasized that Ukraine's experience shows the importance of simple, low-cost solutions that can be quickly implemented and adapted.
Analogous approach extends to other segments, including counter-drone systems.
In NATO countries, there is growing interest in more mass-produced and cheaper technologies, including interceptor drones, which are seen as an alternative to expensive air defense missile systems.
Mark Rutte has previously said the alliance is too slow to innovate and the pursuit of perfection is hampering the development of defense solutions.
He said the priority should be speed and a sufficient level of quality.
Representatives of Ukraine's defense industry say that practicality has become a key factor in war conditions.
Systems that work quickly and are available in large quantities are proving more important than complex and expensive developments.
The Ukrainian defense model is characterized by a rapid production and modernization cycle, where changes in technology can be implemented in the shortest possible time, taking into account feedback from the military.
European countries and NATO allies are increasingly emphasizing the need for more low-cost weaponry.
In a potential protracted conflict, high-tech systems may not be flexible enough or expensive enough for large-scale use.
Experts agree that the balance between advanced technologies and