Erdogan declares NATO summit 'historic' success in Ankara

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday declared the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara a "historic" success, stating that the gathering would shape the alliance's common future at a time of severe testing for Euro-Atlantic security. "We have successfully concluded our NATO summit, which we hosted in our country for the second time in 22 years and for the first time in our capital, Ankara," Erdogan said at a news conference following the conclusion of the summit, adding that the meeting addressed critical security challenges facing member states.

He emphasized that the gathering carried particular significance given contemporary threats, noting that "This historic summit, which we hosted at a time when Euro-Atlantic security is being tested, has been conducted in a manner that will shape our common future." Erdogan said Türkiye has long faced regional crises and terrorism without enjoying the post-Cold War peace dividend that benefited many European allies, noting that there were times when Ankara was left alone and forced to rely on its own capabilities to ensure national security.

Defense capabilities and US cooperation

Erdogan stated that these efforts have placed Türkiye ahead of many NATO allies in key metrics, saying that "Today, in terms of defense spending, military capabilities and the defense industry that underpins them, we are well ahead of many allies." He noted that Ankara commands the alliance's second-largest land force and contributes substantially to operations including the Kosovo Force — which Türkiye will lead until September 2026 — and the upcoming NATO Response Force command in 2028-2029, while also deploying F-16 fighter jets to Estonia in August for air policing missions.

On bilateral ties with Washington, Erdogan reported a "positive approach" from US President Donald Trump regarding F-35 deliveries. "Mr. Trump actually has a positive approach toward Türkiye on the F-35 issue. Hopefully, when the F-35s are delivered to Türkiye, the whole world will say, 'America kept its promise,'" he said. Erdogan added that sanctions against Ankara have largely been lifted, that senior officials including the defense and foreign ministers confirmed restrictions are no longer enforced, and that Trump expressed support for supplying F110 engines for Türkiye's indigenous KAAN fighter jet program in a deal understood to exceed $700 million.

Regional conflicts and peace appeals

Erdogan urged renewed diplomatic efforts to end wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, warning that the region cannot endure further conflict. "Our region can tolerate neither new tensions nor new conflicts. On the contrary, like air and water, humanity needs peace, tranquility and stability," he said. He described the Ukraine war as a "slaughter machine" claiming tens of thousands of casualties monthly and condemned Israeli actions in Gaza that he said have killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, while criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for continuing attacks on Lebanon that have caused nearly 5,000 deaths since March.

The Turkish president dismissed criticism from Netanyahu and Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding potential F-35 sales to Türkiye, stating that "Neither of those statements has any place in my world" and that Ankara maintains an open dialogue with Athens on Aegean disputes while rejecting external interference in its defense procurement. Erdogan promoted Türkiye's indigenous Steel Dome air defense project as "the strongest arm-wrestling move for NATO in our region," and announced that Türkiye will host the Organization of Turkic States summit in October and the COP31 climate summit in Antalya in November. He noted he had discussed Ankara's EU accession bid with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, saying Türkiye would not accept being made to wait 53 years for membership.