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NATO Confronts Cold War Ghosts as Russia Maintains Weapons Production
7 Aug
Summary
- Russia's ability to mass-produce weapons hampered by sanctions
- NATO debates investing in high-tech vs. cheaper, disposable tech
- Russia sharing weapons tech with North Korea and Iran
In 2025, NATO nations, including Canada, are ramping up their rearmament efforts in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, they are increasingly confronted with the ghosts of the Cold War, notably the resilience of Russian industry and its capacity to deliver weapons that, while often technologically inferior to the West, are still "good enough" to wage war.
Despite sanctions, Moscow has maintained its ability to mass-produce drones, missiles, aircraft, and other weapons of war. However, a long-term erosion of quality is taking place, and Russia is struggling to build genuinely new and technologically advanced systems, instead relying on Soviet-era legacy systems and research.
This has sparked a debate within the Western defense community. NATO nations have agreed to drastically expand military spending, with a focus on high-tech innovation. But some experts question whether NATO should be investing billions in expensive, high-tech weapons systems or if there should be more emphasis on cheaper, disposable technology.
The emphasis on quantity over quality is something NATO should be paying closer attention to as it builds out its rearmament plans. Russia's proven, basic technological know-how is also being shared with North Korea and Iran, further complicating the military balance in the region.
