NATO Showcases Major Arms Deals in Ankara Ahead of Trump Summit

• European NATO members and Canada increased defense spending by approximately $90 billion in real terms in 2025 (reaching over $570 billion total), representing a 20% year-over-year increase driven by fears of Russia and Trump's pressure
• The Netherlands will announce over €3 billion in defense deals, while NATO plans to replace its aging AWACS fleet with Sweden's Saab GlobalEye aircraft, and Canada selected Germany's TKMS to build up to 12 submarines
• Trump is expected to tell Turkey's Erdogan he may allow the country to rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter program, reversing sanctions imposed after Turkey's 2019 acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems

Summary

NATO leaders are unveiling tens of billions of dollars in arms deals in Ankara ahead of a summit with President Trump, aiming to demonstrate increased European defense spending in response to U.S. demands. The announcements come as officials worry Trump may revive threats to abandon NATO or ignore mutual defense commitments.

Key Financial Figures:

• Netherlands to announce over €3 billion in defense deals and partnerships
• NATO European members and Canada increased defense spending by $90 billion in 2025 versus 2024
• Total 2025 defense spending reached over $570 billion (approximately 20% year-over-year increase)
• NATO pledging €70 billion ($79.98 billion) in Ukraine assistance for this year alone

Major Defense Deals:

• NATO replacing aging AWACS surveillance aircraft with Saab's GlobalEye
• Canada selected Germany's TKMS to build up to 12 submarines
• Dutch partnerships with Belgium on air defense and Britain on naval ships

Geopolitical Context:

Trump has renewed criticism of NATO allies, claiming insufficient support during the U.S.-Iran war and threatening to potentially quit the alliance. The U.S. has announced troop withdrawals from Europe and launched a six-month review of its continental military presence. Turkey may regain access to the F-35 stealth fighter program after being removed in 2019 over its Russian S-400 acquisition.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that European defense spending increases reflect both Russian threats following the 2022 Ukraine invasion and Trump's "extremely forceful" pressure. The arms deals are strategically timed to demonstrate burden-sharing before the summit, though tensions remain over Greenland, Iran, and strained relationships between Trump and certain European leaders.