Responding to questions about Iran’s reach, Rutte noted that Iranian forces had successfully targeted the Anglo-American base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. “Let’s be lucid and aware of the fact that Diego Garcia is four thousand kilometers from Iran. If an Iranian missile is capable of hitting Diego Garcia, that is a relevant development, given that it means that Iran already possesses capabilities that are dangerous for allies,” Rutte said. “But that means they are increasingly dangerous for allies. And you can do the math: it’s four thousand kilometers.”
NATO, Rutte assured, is prepared to defend its members, pointing to previous defensive actions taken in Turkey. “The quality news, of course, is that allies are prepared. We can defend ourselves. NATO is a very strong alliance. And you saw that in Turkey with the three missiles aimed at the country.”
Rutte offered a firm commitment to the security of NATO territory. “I would like to say to all citizens in NATO territory that our armed forces are committed to ensuring that we have what is needed to defend every centimeter of allied territory.”
The comments came as NATO released its annual report on defense investments, highlighting a significant increase in spending among member states. According to the report, all allies met the target of investing 2% of their GDP in defense last year, with some exceeding the goal. This represents a 20% increase in European and Canadian defense spending compared to 2024.
Rutte emphasized a shift in responsibility, stating, “For too long, European allies and Canada have relied excessively on U.S. Military power.” He added, “We have not taken enough responsibility for our own security, but there has been a real change of mindset, a collective recognition of our transformed security environment. And as a European, I am proud of what we are doing. Of the tremendous progress that is being made. We are investing because it is crucial that we are able to face the threats we face.”
When asked about recent statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding European allies, including calling them “cobardes,” Rutte declined to respond directly, instead praising Trump’s contributions to the alliance. “The United States, under the Trump Presidency, is taking crucial actions for the alliance. He ensured that the entire Alliance reached the two percent target. I’m not sure we would have reached this goal at the complete of last year without President Trump. And then, in The Hague, we agreed on the 5% spending target.”
Rutte concluded, “Not all Europeans like me repeating this, but it’s true: without Trump, I think that wouldn’t have happened.”
Portugal also met the 2% GDP investment target in defense last year. Poland led all allies with 4.30% investment, followed by Lithuania and Latvia. The United States invested 3.19% of its GDP in NATO defense.
Portugal’s investments were primarily focused on personnel, accounting for 45.24% of total investment. The Portuguese government spent 21.23% on equipment, 2.15% on infrastructure, and 31.38% in other defense areas.
Portugal hosted NATO – Dynamic Messenger 25, an exercise designed to test and evaluate new technologies in realistic environments. The exercise was combined with the Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems (REPMUS) exercise, creating a comprehensive platform for innovation in maritime operations. It involved approximately 3,800 participants and 260 unmanned systems from 22 Allies, with observers from more than 13 countries.
The exercise took place off the coast of Portugal in September, testing and evaluating new maritime technologies and capabilities in a realistic scenario, bringing together operational teams, industry, and academia. The exercise promoted the integration of unmanned systems into the operational environment and highlighted NATO’s commitment to innovation and force integration even as maintaining a high level of readiness at sea.
Portugal also participated in several NATO missions, including:
- A permanent rotating air policing mission on the eastern flank;
- A mission to provide the Alliance with a continuous naval presence in the Baltic Sea;
- A mission to enhance NATO’s vigilance in Bulgaria and Romania;
- A Maritime Patrol Aircraft mission to support deterrence and defense posture through surveillance activities; support situational awareness; and contribute to Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance along the eastern borders in the North Cape, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and the North Sea, Norwegian Sea and Atlantic Ocean;
- Operation Sea Guardians with the mission of ensuring maritime security throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
