Ahead of the summit, NATO chief Rutte called for even greater commitment from the defense industry. He expressed concern about Russia. According to Chancellor Merz, the summit could become a turning point in the war in Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is calling for a “revolution” in the transatlantic defense industry in light of threats from countries such as Russia, China and North Korea. “The whir of the machines must turn into a roar,” the Dutchman said on the sidelines of this year’s alliance summit in Turkey. It sounds dramatic, but it can be done.
Rutte cited, among other things, further long-term contracts, investments and reduction of bureaucracy as concrete steps towards revolution. At the same time, the industry must be prepared to take more risks. “There is demand, and you know it,” he said, addressing representatives of the defense industry.
Rutte is already seeing progress
At the same time, Rutte mentioned the progress made in recent years. Last year alone, $37 billion was invested in strengthening the “defense-industrial base.” Rutte also cited ammunition production as a concrete positive example. “According to our forecasts, by next year the alliance will be able to produce about four million artillery shells annually,” he said. This corresponds to almost doubling compared to last year.
As for Russia, Rutte expressed concern: the country invests almost half of its national budget in its military equipment, and the defense industry works around the clock – and is increasingly cooperating with China, for example.
Zelensky hopes for promises
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky addressed the NATO alliance, in particular, on air defense issues. “Please ensure that more resolve and more decisions on air defense will be among the key outcomes of this NATO summit in Ankara.” As previously reported, Ukraine is promised new military assistance – a total of 140 billion euros.
At the same time, Zelensky called for closer cooperation and Ukrainian accession. Ukrainian defense enterprises were now among the strongest in Europe. A country in NATO will become “a source of exceptional defense capability.” He himself is also expected at the meeting. The meeting with Trump is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Merz: Ankara could be a turning point in the war in Ukraine
Before leaving for Turkey, Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism about Ukraine. “Ankara could be a turning point in this war,” he said. “The Kremlin is gradually realizing that Russia will not win this war and will not achieve its military goals.”
Merz meant that, at Germany’s initiative, an agreement should be reached between members of the European alliance in Ankara on providing Ukraine with additional resources.
Amid Trump’s criticism that Europeans and Germany are doing too little for NATO, the chancellor stressed that the Federal Republic has doubled its defense spending since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began. Without naming Trump, he added: “We are not making this effort to do anyone a favor. We are making these efforts because it is necessary for our defense, for our security.”
All eyes on Trump
The US President arrived in the Turkish capital in the afternoon. He first used his new airliner to travel abroad, which he received as a gift from Gulf Emirate Qatar last year, in a controversial move. He was immediately greeted on the tarmac by Turkish President and host Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Trump will be accompanied at the summit by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, among others.
After Trump’s repeated criticism of European NATO allies, they are eagerly awaiting how the US president will behave at the meeting. The US President recently accused European partners of lack of support in the war with Iran.