US Ambassador Matthew G. Whitaker on NATO 3.0, Transatlantic Defence Production, and Poland as a Model Ally

The United States is advocating for expanded transatlantic weapons production and increased European defense spending under a framework referred to as NATO 3.0.

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew G. Whitaker said that the Alliance must translate higher military expenditure into real capabilities and needs more members prepared to invest at the pace demanded by current security threats.

During an interview with Defence24, Whitaker said that the challenge involves turning defense spending commitments, such as the 5% target, into actual military capacity. He suggested that achieving this requires expanding the transatlantic defense industrial base through production in both Europe and the United States, which he described as “Made in NATO.”

Whitaker is leading a delegation of more than 80 American defence companies on a tour starting in Warsaw to discuss opportunities with Polish partners. He said that the group is exploring various opportunities, including co-production and joint ventures.

“I spoke to representatives of three companies just tonight at the opening reception, and they are considering where to establish production facilities. Naturally, I told them Poland would be a great place to do that.”

Regarding specific defense projects, Whitaker mentioned that Poland and Anduril are developing cooperation on the Barracuda missile project. He also said that conversations are occurring regarding whether Poland could become a production hub for American PAC-3 missiles, following the announcement that a maintenance facility will be established in Poland.

He pointed to an existing facility in Bavaria, Germany, that produces PAC-2 missiles as an example of necessary air defense production increases.

Addressing the European Union’s €150 billion SAFE programme, which includes a 65% requirement prioritizing European defense production, Whitaker expressed a cautious stance.

“I do not worry too much about the SAFE programme, the „Made in Europe” provisions or the 65% requirement, as long as that does not become a broader European policy,” Matthew G. Whitaker, US Ambassador to NATO, said.

The Ambassador also signaled further US troop deployments to Poland, with specific details expected to follow a Washington review of the military presence in Europe.

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