NATO announced a series of major defence projects worth billions of dollars as President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara for the alliance’s summit. The military investment drive aims to strengthen NATO’s defence capabilities and demonstrate greater burden-sharing after Trump repeatedly criticised the alliance for relying too heavily on American military power and leadership.
Ahead of the summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte unveiled several multinational defence initiatives, describing them as essential investments for the alliance’s future security. Among the key announcements was an agreement for Swedish company Saab to supply up to 10 GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, replacing NATO’s ageing fleet of AWACS early warning planes that have been in service for around five decades.
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The alliance also announced plans for a multinational purchase of Airbus air-to-air refuelling and transport aircraft, alongside a four-country initiative to acquire up to five Triton surveillance drones. Some of these programmes will receive financial support through a European Union defence loan system capable of raising as much as 170 billion dollars to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities.
Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his call for higher defence production and greater contributions from NATO members, while United States officials emphasised expanding military exports and defence manufacturing partnerships with European allies. The summit is also expected to discuss the Pentagon’s proposed “NATO 3.0” vision, which encourages European countries to assume greater responsibility for regional security as Washington shifts strategic attention toward the Indo-Pacific.
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The gathering also highlighted wider geopolitical issues, including debate over possible F-35 fighter jet sales to Türkiye and growing concerns about Russia’s military activities in Europe. Leaders are expected to discuss long-term defence spending commitments, regional stability and closer military cooperation as NATO seeks to reinforce its collective security posture amid evolving global challenges.