NATO’s top transformation commander, Adm. Pierre Vandier, warned that the West must fundamentally redesign its weapons and industrial base to withstand attacks at the scale now being demonstrated in Ukraine and the Middle East.

NATO’s Weapons Gap

Days after NATO allies committed tens of billions of dollars to new air and missile defenses, Vandier said the alliance’s current air-defense model is not equipped to handle the large number of incoming threats from Russia. He argued that simply buying more of the West’s existing weapons will not solve the underlying problem, citing the high cost and limited production capacity of advanced interceptors like the Patriot missile.

Vandier emphasized the need for a layered mix of defenses, including cheaper, mass-produced weapons to counter waves of drones, while preserving advanced interceptors for ballistic missiles and other sophisticated threats. He also highlighted the importance of adapting quickly to changing threats, noting that Russia has demonstrated an ability to absorb battlefield lessons and adjust its tactics on a weekly basis.

The comments come as NATO is attempting to transform its defense capabilities in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the growing threat from Russia. The alliance has committed to investing more than $40 billion in counter-drone capabilities over the next five years, but Vandier warned that this will not be enough to address the underlying weaknesses in the West’s defense industrial base.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.