NATO will implement additional counter-drone measures that will accelerate the Alliance ability to counter drones, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday (October 15) after a defence ministers meeting in Brussels.

Asked if NATO and EU were doubling efforts on anti-drone projects Rutte said they work "closely together" but without any "duplication".

Allies also discussed ways to support Ukraine and defend its border following multiple drone incursions across Europe.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (OCTOBER 15, 2025) (NATO - Access all)

1. NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, ENTERING PRESS ROOM (MUTE)

2. RUTTE SPEAKING

3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

"We also discussed our deterrence and defence posture and some of the ways in which we are innovating to deal with new and novel challenges, including those posed by drones. As a result, NATO will implement a number of additional counter-drone measures that will build on and expand and accelerate our ability to counter drones. Earlier this month, nine allies came together, along with Ukraine, to support Denmark's ability to counter potential drone threats. I think this is a powerful example of the quick and effective cooperation that is made possible through NATO."

4. RUTTE SPEAKING

5. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

"As we speak, in the context of (Operation) Eastern sentry, we are testing integrated systems that will help us detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats. Innovation and adaptation are in this alliance's DNA. In this vein, we will continue to learn from and cooperate with Ukraine, speed up our own innovation, deepen cooperation with the private sector, and more."

6. PRESS CONFERENCE ONGOING

7. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

"NATO is a defensive alliance. We will remain a defensive alliance, but make no mistake, this defensive alliance is ready and willing to do what it takes to keep our 1 billion people safe and our territory secure. Today, ministers reaffirmed that we are increasing investment in defence, enhancing defence production, and stepping up our support to Ukraine."

8. PRESS CONFERENCE ONGOING

9. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING / SOUNDBITE STARTING OVER JOURNALIST LISTENING:

"And there is no duplication (with EU anti-drone projects). Let me just say it once and for all, the EU and NATO are working hand in hand, closely together. And we both know our strength. NATO's strength is in the capabilities, the military decisions, what you need, basically, to make sure that when it comes to anti-drone technology, we have what we have in place, what we need to have in place."

10. JOURNALIST ASKING QUESTION

11. (SOUNDBITE) (English) NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, MARK RUTTE, SAYING:

"The good thing is that in The Hague (NATO summit), we had unanimity, all 32, total unanimity. Spain totally agreeing to the capability targets. So I think that is important to note."

12. RUTTE LEAVING PRESS ROOM