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Türkiye wants defense cooperation within NATO to move forward without barriers, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday, pairing that call with fresh defense spending commitments and a pledge to keep contributing to the alliance's military capabilities.
Speaking at the North Atlantic Council meeting of heads of state and government in Ankara, Erdogan argued that allied countries should open the door to closer defense industrial cooperation while avoiding policies that risk weakening NATO's unity or its transatlantic partnership.
"As European allies take on greater responsibility for the defense of the continent, we must refrain from measures that could undermine the alliance's cohesion and transatlantic relations," Erdogan added.
Erdogan credited the defense industry with driving much of Türkiye's recent industrial progress, describing it as the country's standout achievement in recent years. He also pointed to Türkiye's place among the world's top 10 defense producers and exporters.
He unveiled an additional $24 billion allocation for the Steel Dome air and missile defense project, describing it as an investment aimed at strengthening one of NATO's most critical capability gaps.
Türkiye, which has Europe's largest land army, remains ready to place its military capabilities at the alliance's disposal whenever needed, Erdogan added.
Highlighting Ankara's broader contribution to the alliance, Erdogan noted that Turkish forces continue to take part in NATO operations, missions and exercises in Kosovo, the Black Sea, the Baltic region and elsewhere.
He also expressed hope that NATO will accredit Türkiye's planned Center of Excellence for Countering Unmanned Systems.
"I believe this center will bolster our capability to counter threats posed, in particular, by aerial and maritime drones," he said.
Erdogan renewed Türkiye's backing for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling it the only path to lasting peace.
"I would like to state that it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure calm, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon," Erdogan said.
He also urged NATO members to stand in "full solidarity" against terrorism and welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump's approach to easing tensions with Iran.
"I appreciate the resolute stance supported by my friend Mr. Trump, which has helped put resolution of the Iran war on the right track, despite attempts at sabotage," Erdogan said, adding that Türkiye is prepared to help clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz.
On Ukraine, Erdogan said Ankara remains in contact with both Kyiv and Moscow as it seeks to help move peace efforts forward.
"While supporting Ukraine, we are also making use of our communication channels to encourage Russia toward peace," he said. "We share Mr. Trump's vision for peace in the Ukraine war and express our support for the initiative addressing Ukraine's priority needs."
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