Probability discussion about fighter jet shipments to Ukraine is on the table for the upcoming NATO Defense Ministers meeting set for Tuesday and Wednesday. Yet, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the immediate priority is weapons and ammunition for Kyiv, delivered with unprecedented speed. He warned that Ukraine’s rate of ammunition consumption to defend itself against aggression is outpacing production capabilities. “We are in a logistics race. Core supplies such as ammunition, fuel, and spare parts are essential for Ukraine before Russia takes the initiative on the battlefield. Speed will save lives,” he stated. The ministerial gathering and the Ramstein group overseeing Ukraine’s defense will coordinate contributions from the United States and its allies.
Two ministerial events will be attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, coming less than two weeks before the war’s first anniversary. Allies will use the moment to reaffirm their commitment to Kyiv. Stoltenberg emphasized that if Putin prevails, it would signal to autocrats that force works, increasing global danger and vulnerability. The focus is on what Ukraine needs to win and how a just and lasting peace might be achieved, he noted during his pre-event remarks.
Allied leaders agree that Vladimir Putin is not merely seeking peace or a settlement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty. He is advancing new tools to subdue Ukraine, sending more arms and applying pressure on Kyiv. “Putin is deploying thousands more troops while accepting high casualties, trying to balance quantity with quality. Timeliness matters. Supplying Ukraine with weapons faster—along with spare parts, fuel, and ammunition—will save lives. We will not speculate on Kremlin responses next February 24,” Stoltenberg added. The discussion will address all forms of support, including Leopards and other contributions, with the contact group for Ukraine’s defense set to meet at the alliance’s headquarters on Tuesday. Diplomatic sources also note there may be conversations about sending combat aircraft, though such steps are regarded as early in the process. Stoltenberg stressed that immediate aid to Ukraine takes priority, including armored vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, and tanks, with the number of Leopard tanks to be shipped still to be determined; Spain is among the participating nations though its exact contribution has not yet been disclosed.
Increase weapon production
The ministerial gathering will permit Allies to refine defense planning and explore ways to boost defense-industrial capacity, inventory levels, and Arsenal replenishment. Stoltenberg underscored that Ukraine’s war is consuming large quantities of ammunition at a pace far exceeding current production, stressing the pressure this places on defense industries. Delays in delivery times are a real concern, necessitating urgent action.
For instance, the time to deliver large-caliber ammunition has stretched from 12 months to 28 months. Orders placed now could take more than two and a half years to arrive. This makes multi-year commitments with industry essential, as seen in arrangements with the United States, France, and Norway. Such agreements aim to scale production capacity so that Kyiv receives necessary support while allies maintain their own defenses. A new Brussels coordination cell will map vulnerabilities and work with industry on submarine cables and pipelines to safeguard critical infrastructure.
Stoltenberg also expects ministers to approve a new virtual network linking national and commercial satellites to bolster intelligence and surveillance. This system would improve space-data sharing with NATO, enhance navigation and communications, and provide early warning of missile launches. Regarding recent aerial activity observed by Washington, he did not include it on the official agenda but noted that it is part of a broader model that includes China and Russia. The aim is to strengthen oversight and intelligence across multiple platforms for all NATO partners.