NATO Nations Reveal Major Arms Deals Ahead of Trump Summit in Ankara

NATO leaders are set to announce arms deals worth tens of billions of dollars in Ankara today, aiming to show they are answering US calls for higher defense spending before meeting President Trump. European governments will unveil the deals at a defense industry forum before Trump arrives to meet Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and other alliance leaders at a summit dinner Tuesday evening.

Spending Surges Amid Russia Fears

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said European members made major defense spending increases, partly driven by concerns over Russia and partly due to pressure from Trump. Rutte noted European and Canadian NATO members spent $90 billion more in 2025 than 2024, pushing total spending past $570 billion, a 20% jump in one year.

Trump’s Iran War Criticism Reignites Tension

Trump has renewed sharp criticism of NATO allies, accusing them of not doing enough to support the US during its conflict with Iran and hinting he could quit the alliance or ignore its mutual defense commitments. European officials say they honored agreements on airspace and bases despite being left out of war decisions that hurt their economies.

Dutch Deals and Fleet Upgrade Highlight Summit

The Netherlands plans to announce deals worth more than €3 billion, including air defense partnerships with Belgium and naval cooperation with Britain. NATO also plans to replace its aging AWACS surveillance planes with Sweden’s Saab GlobalEye aircraft.

Uncertainty Looms Over Summit Outcome

Officials remain unsure how smoothly the summit will go, citing ongoing disputes over Greenland, Iran, and Trump’s tense relationship with some European leaders, including a recent clash with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.