Turkish defense industry should be model for allies: US NATO envoy

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has lauded Turkey's defense industry, proposing it as a model for other allied nations ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. Whitaker emphasized Turkey's significant defense production capabilities, particularly its shipyards, suggesting that NATO allies should draw inspiration from Ankara's industrial prowess.

“

We need all of our allies to be more like Türkiye.

"We need all of our allies to be more like Türkiye," Whitaker stated in an interview with Fox News. He pointed to Turkey's ability to produce 50 ships concurrently as an example of its robust industrial capacity. Whitaker, who recently visited Turkey to review summit preparations, described the nation as an "incredibly capable ally" deeply committed to the NATO alliance and the security of its partners.

Whitaker also issued a warning to NATO allies regarding their defense spending pledges. He announced that at the Ankara summit, allies would receive their first "report cards" since committing to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) to defense. The U.S., under President Trump's leadership, aims to set an example with a projected $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, significantly exceeding the target.

“

For example, having an industrial base that can produce 50 ships at the same time. Türkiye is doing exactly that right now in its shipyards.

He stressed the importance of European countries taking greater responsibility for the conventional defense of continental Europe. NATO members had previously pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a commitment solidified at the June 2025 summit in The Hague.

“

Allies will receive their first report cards since making the 5% commitment.

Security preparations for the NATO Leaders Summit in Ankara are extensive, involving approximately 56,000 security personnel. This includes nearly 49,000 police officers and about 7,000 gendarmerie personnel. The operation will encompass multilayered measures, including inspections of rental properties and vehicles, to ensure comprehensive security.

“

Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we expect allies to take responsibility, follow our example and ultimately assume their own conventional defense.