Ankara gears up for NATO Summit with security checks and aerobatic team rehearsals

Ankara is buzzing with activity as Turkey prepares to host the 36th NATO Summit on July 7-8. The capital city has seen heightened movement, particularly around Ankara Airport, in anticipation of the arrival of world leaders. Security preparations are extensive, with approximately 56,000 personnel, including police and gendarmerie, deployed across the city to ensure safety and order.

The Turkish Air Force's elite aerobatic team, the "Turkish Stars," performed their final rehearsal for a planned demonstration flight as part of the summit's events. Their practice flights have added to the visible preparations in Ankara's skies. Security measures are being coordinated across various units, including public order, traffic control, counter-terrorism, and intelligence, to manage the event smoothly.

This summit marks NATO's return to Turkey after 22 years and is deemed crucial for shaping the future of the alliance and the global security architecture. It is expected to highlight Turkey's growing diplomatic influence and its role within NATO. The event aims to showcase Turkey's military capabilities, defense industry advancements, crisis management expertise, and diplomatic leadership.

A key agenda item for the summit will be burden-sharing among member states. Leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, along with foreign and defense ministers from 32 nations, will convene in Ankara. The summit will also include participation from countries like Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, bridging European-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security discussions.

Furthermore, the Defense Industry Forum, previously a side event, is now integrated into the official program. A special session at the ministerial level will also be held for the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, established during the 2004 Istanbul NATO Summit, involving countries from the Middle East.