- At the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in The Hague, representatives of BusinessEurope, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) expressed their support for implementing the objectives of NATO’s defence-industry plans.
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS—24/06/2025. Business federations from NATO Allied countries, today presented their joint commitment to strengthening NATO’s defence industrial capacity and production to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum. By accelerating the growth of NATO’s defence industrial capacity and production across the entire Alliance, the business community aims to deliver the capabilities needed to support critical defence operations across the alliance.
As representatives of business federations covering all sectors of the economy, the signatories will contribute to the prosperity, security, and resilience of the transatlantic economy and the world.
NATO’s deterrence and defence rely on a strong transatlantic economic base, robust defence industrial cooperation, and the innovative and entrepreneurial strengths of NATO’s business community. With this statement, the business community expresses its readiness to contribute to reinforcing NATO’s industrial base at a time when the international security environment is undergoing fundamental change. The signatories underscore the importance of a strong and competitive industrial base that includes established contractors, SMEs, and start-ups. Close public-private cooperation is crucial to ensure NATO remains technologically superior and strategically prepared.
The defence industry is committed to driving innovation, investing in critical technologies, and strengthening supply chain resilience. To align efforts and accelerate impact, industry calls on NATO to promote joint R&I initiatives, improve standardisation and interoperability, and provide greater transparency on future capability needs. Enhanced public-private cooperation, better access to capital, and support for workforce development are essential to ensure long-term readiness and maintain NATO’s technological edge.
Fredrik Persson, President BusinessEurope: “Increasing conflicts are challenging the established global order and generating more security and economic risks. NATO’s role as a guarantor of our shared security and defence is more important than ever. A strong industrial base in NATO countries is key to further develop joint security and defence capabilities and to sustain our economic growth and competitiveness. The business community stands ready to step up efforts and actively engage in public-private partnerships to further drive investment, innovation and efficiency in defence production. A collaborative approach between established defence contractors, SMEs and emerging start-ups will enable better and faster solutions to evolving defence needs.”
Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce: “Canada’s business community recognizes that economic security and national security are now inseparable. In a world of rising geopolitical risk, NATO’s collective strength depends not only on our militaries, but on the resilience, innovation, and agility of our industrial base. Canadian businesses—from advanced manufacturers to cutting-edge tech firms—stand ready to contribute to a stronger, more secure alliance through deeper collaboration, supply chain integration, and the development of next-generation defence capabilities. Together, we must build the foundations for a safer, more stable global future.”
Keith Webster, President, Defense and Aerospace Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “As the global security landscape evolves at pace, the American business community stands ready to serve our partners across the alliance. By deepening research collaboration, improving allied interoperability, activating new public-private partnerships, bolstering supply chain resilience, and supporting workforce development across critical sectors, we can restore the arsenal of democracy, secure peace, and protect the global rules-based order.”
Ingrid Thijssen, President of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers VNO-NCW: “After decades of peace, NATO and its Allies face a fundamentally changed security landscape. The safety of our societies and the resilience of our economies can no longer be taken for granted. Deterrence and defence demand not just military strength, but a strong industrial base. Today, the NATO business community fully pledges its support to expanding industrial capacity — from innovation and technological leadership to resilient supply chains, public-private partnerships, and workforce development.”
To read the full joint statement, click here.
