Jens Stoltenberg (Photo: EPA/JONAS EKSTROEMER)

Some investors consider supporting the defense industry "unethical", NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced at the NATO-Industry Forum on Wednesday.

But there is nothing unethical in the production of weapons for the defense of NATO allies, the protection of freedom and the support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in defense against Russian invasion forces, he stressed.

"Without industry there is no defense, no deterrence, and no security. Therefore I'm extremely grateful for what you do as defense industry every day," said the NATO chief.

Stoltenberg noted that Ukrainian soldiers show courage and heroism, but these qualities alone will not help to stop drones and intercept missiles.

For defense, Ukraine needs high-quality weapons in large quantities, he stressed.

On September 28, Stoltenberg made an unannounced visit to Kyiv where he met with President Zelenskyy and discussed the issue of strengthening air defenses.

On the same day, he announced that NATO has framework contracts with arms companies worth 2.4 billion euros (about $2.53 billion) for ammunition.

The NATO Secretary General said that Israel's war with Hamas militants will not prevent the Alliance from supporting Ukraine.