German foreign minister urges NATO to speed up defense production
In Germany, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on NATO allies to accelerate the production of defense equipment to maintain credible deterrence against Russia as an aggressor state. He said this on September 10 in Berlin while speaking to journalists together with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Anadolu Agency reports.
Threats to allies
Wadephul said that an attempted drone attack on Leipzig Airport last month demonstrated the seriousness of the threat from Moscow. According to him, German investigators pointed to Russian intelligence services, and Berlin announced extensive sanctions in response.
The head of the German Foreign Ministry called the incident part of growing Russian aggression against Europe and NATO. He mentioned drone incidents, airspace violations affecting several allies on the Alliance’s eastern flank, as well as hybrid and cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation campaigns, and attacks on critical infrastructure.
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According to Wadephul, some of these campaigns were aimed at spreading fear and influencing public opinion ahead of recent regional elections in Germany. He thanked Rutte and other allies for supporting Berlin after the findings on the Leipzig incident were made public.
Defense and support for Ukraine
Wadephul stressed that allies must maintain political unity, invest more in defense, produce weapons faster, and procure them more promptly. According to him, Germany, together with other European allies, will continue increasing defense spending, strengthening its own armed forces, and assuming greater responsibility for security in the Alliance.
Berlin will also continue providing Ukraine with substantial military assistance, primarily in the area of air defense. In particular, Germany plans to transfer additional interceptor missiles before winter to protect cities and energy infrastructure.
