Ukraine's battlefield churn showed the West how much its weapons-making needed an overhaul, NATO official says
Business Insider
February 28, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion has revealed a critical need for NATO to modernize its approach to weapons development and procurement. Tarja Jaakola, NATO's assistant secretary general for defense industry innovation and armaments, highlighted that traditional stockpiling of hardware is no longer sufficient in a rapidly evolving battlefield where technology can become obsolete within months. Unlike NATO members, Ukraine has demonstrated the ability to quickly adapt and upgrade its weaponry, often making changes within weeks to meet new challenges. This agility underscores the importance of shifting from outdated business models to more innovative solutions that prioritize speed and flexibility.
NATO's current system, which relies on lengthy procurement processes and stockpiling obsolete hardware, is struggling to keep up with Ukraine's rapid pace. Jaakola emphasized the need for a "new kind of business model" to avoid wasting resources on equipment that becomes outdated quickly. This shift is particularly urgent given the fast-changing nature of modern warfare, where new countermeasures can render advanced technologies ineffective almost as soon as they are deployed. For example, Ukraine's experience with drone technology shows how quickly battlefield tech can become obsolete.
To address these challenges, NATO has implemented initiatives like the Rapid Adoption Action Plan, which aims to speed up defense innovation and procurement by fostering greater risk tolerance among member nations. The alliance is also investing in specialized testing spaces, such as its new Innovation Ranges, to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technology. These efforts reflect a growing recognition that NATO must adapt its mindset and processes to match Ukraine's ability to innovate and respond to emerging threats.
The implications for business are significant. As NATO shifts toward more agile, innovation-driven approaches, defense contractors and tech companies will need to prioritize speed, flexibility, and collaboration with military forces. This change could create new opportunities for industries to develop modular systems that allow for quick upgrades and adaptability on the battlefield. Companies like BAE Systems Digital Intelligence are already working closely with NATO and Ukrainian partners to ensure their technologies can evolve rapidly in response to real-time feedback from soldiers.
Ultimately, the lessons from Ukraine's defense industry highlight the importance of innovation and speed in modern warfare. By embracing these principles, NATO can better prepare for future conflicts while fostering a more dynamic and responsive defense sector. The alliance's ability to adapt its
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Business Insider on 2/28/2026