Erdogan announces $24 billion allocation for NATO's Iron Dome project

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the allocation of an additional $24 billion for the Iron Dome project to bolster the air and missile defense capabilities of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

This came during his speech opening the main session of the 36th NATO summit in Ankara.

Erdogan stated, “We have taken the necessary measures to reach the defense spending target of 5% by 2030,” adding, “We will contribute to confronting maritime and land threats against NATO.”

He emphasized that “to achieve NATO 3.0, restrictions on defense cooperation among allies must be lifted.” The Turkish president praised the stance of his American counterpart, Donald Trump, saying his “firm position regarding attempts to reach an agreement with Iran is commendable,” and affirmed readiness for a potential mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz.

For his part, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on NATO allies to demonstrate unity amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking before the session, he said, “At this juncture, we, as leaders, must show NATO’s unity and strength. This is precisely what we will work to achieve.”

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a statement to the press on the sidelines of the summit, saying, “I am confident that we will create a new spirit that will make NATO stronger and more united.”

He added, “Last year in The Hague, we decided to significantly increase defense efforts, and these promises have been fulfilled. Defense efforts have been notably strengthened in most EU member states and NATO countries.”