NATO will step up support for Ukraine while continuing to strengthen deterrence and defense and increase reserves, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday following a meeting of NATO defense ministers, the NATO Press Service reported.

The defense ministers took decisions to further strengthen the Alliance's deterrence and defense, which included approving a new NATO defense planning manual.

NATO ministers also discussed ways to build industrial capacity and replenish weapons and ammunition, which are in greater demand than ever, given Ukraine's unprecedented support from NATO allies.

These measures include the need for industrial capacity building and close cooperation with industry, as well as a review of NATO's ammunition stockpile targets. NATO allies have agreed on the need to work hand-in-hand with the defense industry to build industrial capabilities and are already reviewing NATO's ammunition stockpile targets.

Stoltenberg also announced the creation of a Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Group at NATO headquarters. This will facilitate interaction with industry and bring key military and civilian stakeholders together, he said.

The ministers also discussed the importance of increased investment in defense and how to use the promise of defense investment as well as future commitments after 2024.

On Tuesday, the allies met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov to discuss the situation on the ground and Ukraine's most pressing military needs. Stoltenberg welcomed promises from NATO allies to support Ukraine, including more heavy weapons and military training. He also thanked the allies for their significant contribution to NATO's capacity-building assistance package, which provides Ukraine with food, fuel, medical supplies, anti-drone equipment and amphibious bridges, the report said.

NATO defense ministers also agreed to step up support to their other partners at risk: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Moldova.