NATO announces major defence deals as Trump joins Ankara summit

NATO unveiled a series of major defence projects on Tuesday as alliance leaders gathered in Ankara for their annual summit.

NATO unveiled a series of major defence projects on Tuesday as alliance leaders gathered in Ankara for their annual summit, hoping to demonstrate stronger military cooperation and reassure US President Donald Trump that member states are increasing their defence commitments.

Trump arrived in the Turkish capital during the opening day of the two day meeting and was expected to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan before joining other NATO leaders. The summit comes at a time when Trump has repeatedly criticised the alliance, arguing that European countries rely too heavily on American military power and should contribute more to their own security.

Ahead of the president’s arrival, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced several multinational defence projects involving billions of dollars in new military equipment. Speaking at a defence industry forum, he described the investments as necessary to strengthen the alliance’s ability to respond to future threats.

One of the most significant announcements was a plan to replace NATO’s ageing fleet of airborne early warning aircraft. Swedish defence company Saab will provide up to ten new GlobalEye surveillance aircraft for a group of ten NATO countries. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed the agreement and said the aircraft would be produced within the alliance for the benefit of all member states.

NATO also confirmed plans involving four member countries to purchase as many as five additional Triton surveillance drones, expanding the alliance’s intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities. Rutte said these projects would strengthen both European security and defence cooperation across the Atlantic while creating new jobs.

Several of the planned investments are expected to receive financial support through a European Union defence lending programme designed to help member countries expand military spending. The programme could make up to 170 billion dollars available through capital markets to support defence projects.

Although NATO itself does not own weapons beyond a limited number of surveillance aircraft and drones, the alliance coordinates military planning among its 32 member nations. Officials believe the latest purchases will modernise key capabilities and improve collective defence.

The announcements are also intended to respond to Trump’s long standing criticism of NATO. The US president has previously described the alliance as overly dependent on American leadership and military equipment. Speaking recently, Trump said he wanted stronger commitment and loyalty from NATO partners rather than additional financial contributions.

US Deputy Defense Secretary Michael Duffy also addressed the forum, saying greater defence production was needed across the alliance. He added that the United States would continue expanding exports of military equipment while working with European partners to increase manufacturing capacity.

The summit has also drawn attention because of discussions surrounding possible American fighter jet sales to Turkey. Israel has publicly urged Washington not to resume sales of F 35 aircraft to Ankara, arguing that such a move could alter the military balance in the Middle East. Turkey was removed from the F 35 programme in 2019 after purchasing a Russian missile defence system, but Trump has recently suggested that future cooperation remains possible.

Beyond defence contracts, leaders are discussing NATO’s long term strategy as the United States encourages European members to take greater responsibility for protecting the continent. Growing concerns over Russia’s actions and the continuing war in Ukraine have increased pressure on European governments to strengthen their armed forces despite budget challenges at home.

The summit is expected to continue with further discussions on defence spending, military cooperation and regional security as NATO seeks to present a united front during a period of increasing global uncertainty.