How can we rapidly strengthen and expand the defence industry?
To address this issue, defence ministers, experts and industry representatives from NATO Allies will convene in The Hague on 24 June 2025 at the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum (NSDIF), an official side-event/part of the 2025 NATO Summit.
Purpose of the NSDIF
The NSDIF will bring together ministers, experts and captains of industry from NATO Allies to discuss how to scale up and reinforce the defence industry at an unprecedented rate.
NATO requires an innovative, competitive and sustainable defence industry. A robust defence industry is essential to a stronger Alliance, as it will benefit both NATO's striking power and credible deterrence.
“There is no way to provide strong defence without a strong defence industry.
We need modern capabilities that use the most advanced technologies. And we need them now.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
Key topics
Demand Aggregation
Encourage joint planning, procurement, and production among Allies to achieve economies of scale, strengthen interoperability, and ensure timely delivery of critical capabilities.
Financing
Enhance the financial foundation of the defence industrial base through targeted investments, long-term contracts, and improved access to both public and private capital.
Innovation
Accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies –including autonomous and dual-use systems– by fostering closer collaboration between the armed forces, industry, and research institutes.
“The war in Ukraine has become a battle between industries. A strong defence industry is the backbone of our security.
Now it is time to turn big words into big action."
Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans, host of the forum.
Participants
The event is being hosted by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and NATO, in cooperation with the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Over 400 guests have been invited to take part in the NSDIF, including defence ministers from NATO member states and representatives of the international defence industry.
No production equals no deterrence
The 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague takes place in an era of complex and unpredictable geopolitical dynamics. Europe is facing a prolonged war on the continent, while conflicts and instability continue to arise along both the northern and southern borders of the NATO area.
At the same time, the threat of hybrid warfare is increasing, bringing new challenges in the fields of cybersecurity, disinformation, undersea infrastructure and economic security. These factors highlight the urgency of renewed and reinforced cooperation within the Alliance.
Against this backdrop, credible deterrence remains our best weapon. To strengthen their military, economic and societal resilience, NATO member states must boost their defence spending. This will allow for a rapid expansion of the defence industry, enabling guaranteed production and supply of ammunition and materiel.
"Europe's security landscape has fundamentally shifted. With advanced technological capabilities and a robust defense sector, Europe is well-positioned to rise to this challenge.
Now is the time to join forces and significantly boost Europe's defense."
Ingrid Thijssen, President of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), co-host of the forum
Discussions focused on results
The discussions will focus on tracking progress, identifying next steps and exploring future opportunities to strengthen the defence industry, together as NATO Allies.
Above all, the forum must deliver clear and actionable results.
Unite. Innovate. Deliver.