NATO allies have unveiled major defence contracts worth billions of dollars as leaders gather in Ankara, Türkiye, for the alliance’s summit, highlighting increased military spending and new security investments.
The two-day summit comes a year after NATO members pledged to increase defence spending to five per cent of their Gross Domestic Product under pressure from United States President Donald Trump.
Ahead of the summit, NATO announced a series of new arms agreements, including the procurement of drones, aerial refuelling aircraft and surveillance systems aimed at strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities and improving the alliance’s military readiness.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the investments would enhance collective security, boost economic growth and create hundreds of thousands of jobs across member states.
The announcements come as European allies seek to reassure President Trump over their commitment to burden-sharing within the alliance, following his repeated criticism that Europe has not done enough to strengthen its own defence or support recent U.S. military operations.
Related Posts:
The summit is also expected to focus on strengthening NATO’s collective defence, increasing military production and sustaining support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet President Trump on the sidelines of the summit to discuss continued military assistance and efforts to advance peace negotiations with Russia.
