NATO Set to Announce Billion-Dollar Arms Deals Before Trump Meeting

NATO set to announce billions of dollars in arms deals before Trump meeting

July 7

NATO leaders are expected to unveil billions of dollars in arms deals today, July 7, in Ankara, Turkey, aimed at demonstrating concrete implementation of US President Donald Trump's push for increased European defense spending.

According to Reuters, European allies will formally announce these arms deals at a NATO defense industry forum held before the meeting between Trump and Turkish President Erdogan.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that European allies' defense spending has risen remarkably and significantly, driven by heightened concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine as well as President Trump's firm urging.

Furthermore, Rutte noted that NATO's European members and Canada increased defense spending by up to $90 billion in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of over $570 billion—a roughly 20 percent increase in just one year.

"We are now building a sustainable alliance that the US side can also accept as a fair deal," Rutte told reporters in Ankara.

He also indicated that a major breakthrough could occur on a long-standing contentious issue between the US and Turkey.

Turkey purchased the Russian-made S-400 air defense system in 2019, leading the US to exclude Turkey from the F-35 stealth fighter jet program.

According to Reuters, citing sources, Trump is reportedly ready to inform President Erdogan that he is open to allowing Turkey to rejoin the program.

Ref & Photo; Reuters

MyoTaw News Channel