NATO summit opens in Ankara as new defense deals fuel militarization concerns

ANKARA, July 7– The NATO leaders’ summit opened in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Tuesday with a Defense Industry Forum, unveiling major defense industry initiatives aimed at accelerating weapons production and procurement, amid growing concerns over the alliance’s expanding militarization.

Marking its first inclusion in a NATO summit, the forum brought together senior NATO officials and representatives from major Western defense companies to discuss efforts to integrate military supply chains across member states.

At the event, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte launched the Drone Edge Initiative aimed at strengthening counter-drone capabilities, saying member states would commit more than 40 billion U.S. dollars to the sector over the next five years.