ANKARA, Turkey, July 7 – The NATO summit in Ankara opened with major defense announcements, high level diplomatic meetings, and renewed debate over the future of Turkey’s role in Western security cooperation. As alliance leaders gathered to discuss defense investment and regional stability, U.S. President Donald Trump made one of the summit’s biggest headlines by signaling that Washington intends to remove sanctions imposed on Turkey over its purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system.
The development could pave the way for Ankara to reenter the U.S. led F-35 fighter jet program, a long standing objective of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. At the same time, NATO leaders unveiled a series of multinational defense projects designed to strengthen the alliance’s military readiness, demonstrating that member states are moving ahead with large scale investments in surveillance systems, refueling aircraft, and advanced defense technologies.
Trump Signals End of Sanctions Against Turkey
President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara for the NATO summit and received a ceremonial welcome featuring military honors, mounted guards, artillery salutes, and aircraft flying overhead while releasing red, white, and blue smoke.
During his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace, Trump confirmed that the United States intends to lift sanctions imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The restrictions were introduced after Turkey purchased the Russian made S-400 air defense system, a move that prompted Washington to remove Ankara from the multinational F-35 fighter jet program in 2019.
Speaking alongside Erdogan, Trump stated that his administration is working through the legal process required to remove the sanctions.
“We’re going to be taking the sanctions off,” Trump told reporters, adding that Cabinet officials are already addressing the matter. He also said that the possibility of selling F-35 fighter aircraft to Turkey is “certainly something we will consider.”
Although removing the sanctions would not automatically restore Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program, it would eliminate one of the largest political and legal obstacles standing in the way of future negotiations.
Throughout their meeting, both leaders emphasized the strength of their personal relationship. Trump praised Turkey as a dependable ally and highlighted its cooperation with the United States during recent tensions involving Iran.
“Sometimes you get along with the toughest people,” Trump remarked while referring to Erdogan.
Trump also revealed that his decision to attend this year’s NATO gathering was influenced by his relationship with the Turkish president, despite his previous criticism of NATO members over defense spending.
NATO Announces Major Defense Investment Plans
While political discussions dominated headlines, NATO leaders also used the summit to present an ambitious package of multinational defense projects aimed at improving the alliance’s military capabilities.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the investments as “money well spent” while introducing several cooperative procurement programs involving multiple member nations.
Among the largest announcements was an agreement to replace NATO’s aging fleet of Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The surveillance planes have served the alliance for decades and are approaching the end of their operational lifespan.
Swedish defense manufacturer Saab will provide up to ten GlobalEye airborne surveillance aircraft for a consortium consisting of ten NATO members. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the agreement a significant achievement for European defense manufacturing.
“It is a moment of great pride,” Kristersson said, noting that the aircraft are being built within the alliance for the benefit of all participating nations.
Another agreement brought together representatives from fifteen countries to jointly purchase Airbus air to air refueling and military transport aircraft, strengthening NATO’s ability to conduct long range operations and provide logistical support across Europe.
Rutte also announced a separate initiative involving four NATO members that plan to acquire as many as five additional Triton surveillance drones. According to the NATO secretary general, the project reflects growing cooperation between North American and European defense industries while expanding the alliance’s intelligence gathering capabilities.
Several of the announced projects are expected to receive financial support through the European Union’s defense financing mechanisms, which were established to help member states invest more efficiently in military modernization.
Rutte stressed that stronger economies must translate into stronger armed forces.
“We need to ensure that we are translating our economic might into military capabilities, putting the cash to work from defense plans to drones, from money to missiles and interceptors,” he said.
Regional Tensions Shape Discussions at the Summit
The issue of Turkey’s possible return to the F-35 program quickly sparked international debate beyond the NATO meeting itself.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly urged the United States not to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Speaking during an interview with Fox & Friends before the summit, Netanyahu argued that such a move could alter the military balance in the Middle East.
He expressed concern over Turkish President Erdogan’s repeated criticism of Israel and warned that Israeli air superiority remains an essential component of regional security.
Relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated sharply since the war in Gaza began following the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023. Erdogan has repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide during its military campaign in Gaza, allegations that Israel strongly rejects.
Security around the summit venue remained exceptionally tight. Turkish authorities imposed restrictions on demonstrations throughout Ankara. Despite those measures, a small group of protesters gathered in the capital before being surrounded by police officers. According to statements released by a local legal association, several student activists and lawyers were detained following the demonstration.
NATO Pushes for Greater European Responsibility
Beyond new weapons purchases, summit discussions reflected a broader strategic shift inside the alliance regarding Europe’s future defense responsibilities.
Senior U.S. defense officials promoted what they described as a new vision for NATO, encouraging European allies to expand their own military capabilities while allowing Washington to focus more resources on challenges in other regions.
Michael Duffy, serving as a U.S. undersecretary of defense, emphasized the need for increased defense production across allied nations.
“The reality is that we need production increases across the board,” Duffy said. He added that the United States intends to expand defense exports while also supporting greater manufacturing capacity within Europe.
Trump continued pressing NATO members to increase military spending, repeating his long held criticism that several allies rely too heavily on American military support. Although he acknowledged recent spending increases, he suggested that stronger commitment from alliance members remains necessary.
“We don’t need their money. We don’t need anything. I just want loyalty,” Trump said while discussing NATO cooperation.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his country’s appeal for NATO membership during meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine’s armed forces have developed extensive battlefield experience after years of defending against Russia’s full scale invasion. He said Ukrainian forces continue carrying out long range operations against Russian military and energy infrastructure while sustaining pressure along multiple fronts.
“Frankly we take no pride in this,” Zelenskyy said, describing the conflict as “a war we did not seek but one we are forced to fight.”
His remarks came as several NATO governments continue expressing concern that Russia could eventually expand its use of hybrid tactics, including cyberattacks, sabotage, and disinformation campaigns, against additional European countries.
The summit concluded its opening day with NATO leaders presenting a united message that stronger defense investment, closer industrial cooperation, and greater military readiness remain central priorities as geopolitical tensions continue to reshape the international security landscape. At the same time, Trump’s announcement regarding Turkey’s sanctions introduced a potentially significant shift in U.S., Turkey defense relations, one that could influence NATO’s internal dynamics well beyond the Ankara summit.