The Ukraine war has underscored a critical shift in military strategy, emphasizing the necessity of affordable, mass-produced weaponry rather than solely relying on high-tech, expensive systems. NATO officials articulate this need, recognizing the implications of prolonged warfare requiring more immediate, accessible arms to counter rivals like Russia. Former Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis highlights a substantial tactical advantage in quantity over sophistication. Defense ministers from Denmark and Sweden echoed these sentiments regarding the impact of historical underinvestment in defense production, suggesting that streamlining production schedules could enhance availability and lower costs for essential military resources.
The Ukraine war has shown that fighting major, protracted conflicts demands more than exquisite weapons. It demands cheap weaponry in bulk.
Gabrielius Landsbergis described the war in Ukraine as one of ‘high quantities,’ highlighting the need for cheaper, faster-to-manufacture weapons.
Pål Jonson noted that increased orders could lead to lower per-unit prices, emphasizing the importance of consistent demand for efficient production.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that ‘speed is of the essence, not perfection,’ stressing the need for a balance in quantity and quality.
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