Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged NATO allies to remove defence-industry restrictions and strengthen military cooperation during the alliance’s summit in Ankara. He warned that excluding non-European Union members from defence initiatives could weaken NATO unity. Erdogan also called for a peaceful resolution to the Iran crisis and offered Turkey’s support for mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Addressing NATO leaders on Wednesday, Erdogan said artificial barriers among allies should be eliminated to improve defence cooperation. He argued that restricting participation in European defence projects would create unnecessary divisions within the alliance. The Turkish president stressed that NATO members should work together based on shared interests rather than political differences. He also renewed Ankara’s request to participate in European security initiatives, including the SAFE defence funding programme.
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Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s growing contribution to NATO, noting that the country has the alliance’s second-largest military and a rapidly expanding defence industry. He said Ankara is increasing defence spending and remains on course to meet NATO’s target of allocating five percent of gross domestic product to defence by 2030. Erdogan also announced an additional $24 billion investment in Turkey’s “Steel Dome” air defence project to strengthen NATO’s collective air and missile defence capabilities.
The Turkish president also addressed rising tensions involving Iran, urging all parties to pursue diplomacy instead of military escalation. He praised US President Donald Trump’s efforts to achieve peace and emphasized the importance of dialogue in reducing regional instability. Erdogan added that Turkey is prepared to assist international efforts to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies and maritime trade.
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Erdogan’s remarks came as NATO leaders met in Ankara to discuss defence spending, military modernisation, and regional security challenges. Analysts say Turkey is seeking a larger role in European defence planning while reinforcing its position as a key NATO ally amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe.