Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Ankara plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, five years earlier than the target deadline set by NATO.
During his speech at the 36th summit of NATO heads of state and government, Erdogan noted that Turkey has already taken necessary steps to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, while security and stability-related expenditures already account for 1.5% of GDP.
“Thus, we aim to reach the target of 5% set for 2035 at the Hague summit five years early,” said the Turkish president.
Erdogan highlighted that Turkey's main achievement is the progress made in the defense industry.
“In terms of production and export capabilities, we are already among the top ten countries in the world,” he emphasized.
According to him, in the next three years, Turkey plans to complete almost the entire volume of 361 capability targets it has undertaken within NATO ahead of schedule.
The Turkish president also announced that an additional 24 billion dollars has been allocated for the "Steel Dome" air defense project.
Erdogan called for the removal of restrictions in defense cooperation among allies.
He also stated that Turkey continues to support Ukraine while maintaining communication channels with Russia to facilitate the peace process.
“We share President Donald Trump's vision of peace regarding Ukraine and will continue to support Ukraine while encouraging Russia to move towards peace,” Erdogan said.
Addressing the situation around Iran, the Turkish president mentioned that Ankara is ready to assist in the demining efforts in the Strait of Hormuz.
Erdogan also emphasized that the key to sustainable peace in the Middle East is a resolution based on the principle of two states.
