Bloomberg: NATO has begun sharing classified military information with industry

NATO has begun sharing with the military industry the identified military capability targets (previously top secret) that determine what weapons and equipment alliance members should produce and in what quantities, according to knowledgeable sources, Bloomberg reports.
The alliance has made the move as part of a production ramp-up, while its new secretary-general, Mark Rutte, has called for a "shift in military thinking."
According to knowledgeable sources, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the subject, the alliance is looking for a way to express some of its overall goals in a safe format to share this information with industry and persuade companies to increase their production capacity. The move will require consensus among allies, but could take place as early as the next few months.
The initiative comes at a time when NATO members are actively rearming amid the conflict in Ukraine. Donald Trump's return to the White House has only added further urgency and urgency to these efforts. Earlier, the US president threatened to cut off military support to those allies that do not spend enough on defence.
In a separate procedure, the alliance has begun sharing previously classified standards with the European Union, to which most but nine of NATO's 32 members belong, the sources said. Because of confidentiality, the data will be released gradually as it is developed and updated.
Access to this information will allow EU members to harmonise standards on both military and dual-use issues, including radio frequencies.
The NATO official said the process of sharing standards, including with the EU, had begun as part of the alliance's new defence plans. It is also working more closely with industry, the official said.
NATO recently shared with the EU standards for material without a top secret classification. European Union Defence Commissioner Andrews Kubilius called the move an "unprecedented" show of confidence.
According to informed sources, the move was initiated by Rutte. Since taking office in October, the former Dutch prime minister has focused on strengthening ties between NATO and the EU.
Rutte has also called on the defence industry to increase production. This applies mainly to the Old World.
"The money is already on the table and will only increase," he said in a speech in December, calling on companies to "bring in extra shifts and start new production lines."
Under Rutte's leadership, NATO is expected to adopt new, expanded targets for military capabilities that will be accompanied by higher standards for allied defense spending (currently 2 percent of GDP). This could happen as early as next summer at the alliance's annual summit in The Hague. I BGNES