Turkey has announced its support for NATO’s newly adopted target to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, positioning itself among the alliance’s most active contributors. As reported by Reuters, a senior defense ministry source confirmed Thursday that Turkey already exceeds the previous 2% benchmark and plans to invest heavily in national air defense infrastructure, particularly its ambitious “Steel Dome” project.
The commitment follows a landmark decision by NATO allies on Wednesday at the summit in The Hague, where member states agreed to significantly increase their collective defense spending. The move is seen as a response to growing security challenges, including the ongoing threat posed by Russia, and aims to enhance both civil and military resilience across the alliance.
Turkey’s Role Within the Alliance
“Turkey is already above the 2% criterion under the Defense Spending Pledge,” the source said during a briefing in Ankara, speaking on condition of anonymity. “With NATO’s second-largest army, we rank among the top five contributors to NATO’s operations and missions.”
France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan shake hands as they hold a bilateral meeting at a NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/Pool
In addition to meeting NATO capability targets, Turkey is increasing investment in defense research and development. Key areas include unmanned systems, next-generation missile technology, and advanced military platforms such as aircraft carriers, frigates, and tanks.
Central to Turkey’s defense modernization strategy is the development of a multi-layered air defense network under the “Steel Dome” initiative, modeled after similar systems in other countries. This project aims to protect Turkish airspace through the integration of various missile systems and advanced radar technologies.
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan meets with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of a NATO Summit, in The Hague, Netherlands June 24, 2025. Turkish Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
“We are investing in air defense systems, hypersonic, ballistic and cruise missile capabilities, unmanned land, sea and air systems,” the source added.
Defense is a National Priority
Speaking to journalists during his return from the NATO summit, President Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the strategic importance of a comprehensive and coordinated air defense network. “It is very important for us to have missiles at various altitudes, and for these to work in harmony like the organs of a body,” he said.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a press conference following a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Turkey, June 16, 2025. Murat Kula/Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Erdogan also reiterated that Turkey’s current arsenal, including the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system acquired in 2020, is insufficient for the nation’s long-term security needs. “We have brought our country to a certain point, but we are not stopping here. We must increase our missile capabilities,” he said.
Turkey’s acquisition of the S-400 system previously triggered U.S. sanctions, a move Ankara has criticized as unjust. Despite the controversy, Turkey remains committed to strengthening its independent defense infrastructure and contributing robustly to NATO.
The new NATO target stipulates that at least 3.5% of member countries’ GDP should be allocated to core defense spending, with the remaining 1.5% directed towards civil preparedness and security infrastructure.
