NATO Unveils Major Defense Deals as Leaders Seek to Reassure Trump

NATO leaders unveiled defense agreements worth tens of billions of dollars in Turkey, underscoring their commitment to increasing defense spending in response to long-standing U.S. calls for greater European burden-sharing.

NATO alliance members have announced new defense investments and military industry initiatives. (Photo: NATO Facebook)

The announcements came even as U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with some allies and renewed his interest in acquiring Greenland. Tuvan Gumrukcu, Humeyra Pamuk and Sabine Siebold reported for Reuters.

Leaders gathered in Ankara for the alliance's summit, seeking to project unity after another challenging year in which the conflict involving Iran once again exposed divisions within the alliance that has anchored Western security since the end of World War II.

During a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Trump said he might have skipped the NATO summit had it not been for his strong relationship with the Turkish leader.

He also declined to rule out further reductions in the U.S. military presence in Europe.

NATO members have repeatedly sought to demonstrate to Trump that they are increasing defense investments. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday that European allies had made "staggering" increases in defense spending.

Ahead of Trump's arrival, Rutte highlighted a series of defense initiatives and industry agreements during a defense forum.

He called for a "defense industry revolution" across the alliance, citing growing security threats posed by Russia, as well as concerns involving China, North Korea, and Iran.

"We don't have the luxury of time. We need capabilities now to ensure we remain ready. The security situation demands it," Rutte said. "The hum of machinery must become a roar."

Additional reporting was provided by Andrew Gray, Huseyin Hayatsever, John Irish and Lili Bayer for Reuters.