Signal of an air defense move from Turkey: Green light for Patriot
In a statement made ahead of the NATO Summit, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler announced that all options, including SAMP/T and Patriot systems, are being evaluated to strengthen Turkey's air defense capacity. Güler also stated that NATO is adapting to the changing security environment and that the US has no intention of withdrawing from the alliance.
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Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler made assessments regarding Turkey's defense policies in an interview with Reuters ahead of the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara on July 7-8. Stating that NATO is adapting to the current security environment, Güler gave messages regarding the future of the alliance.
ALL OPTIONS ON THE TABLE FOR AIR DEFENSE
Minister Güler announced that all alternatives, including the purchase of the French-Italian jointly produced SAMP/T and US-made Patriot systems, are being evaluated as part of Turkey's efforts to strengthen its air defense capacity.
Güler's statement indicated that Turkey is following a multi-faceted approach in its defense procurement planning.
DEFENSE SPENDING ON THE AGENDA AT THE NATO SUMMIT
Yaşar Güler stated that the defense spending of allied countries will be discussed at the NATO Summit.
It was also stated that strengthening defense industry cooperation and increasing support for Ukraine will be on the agenda at the summit.
EMPHASIS ON SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE AND EUROPEAN SECURITY
In his written statements, Güler noted that NATO will focus on intra-bloc unity, that increased defense spending will be evaluated, and that support for Ukraine will be strengthened.
Emphasizing that Ankara should take part in European defense initiatives, Güler used the following expressions in his assessment regarding NATO's changing security environment:
“NATO continues to be a unique and fundamental platform for Euro-Atlantic security and defense. We do not evaluate the period we are in as a crisis, but as a process of adaptation to the changing security environment.”
US HAS NO INTENTION OF WITHDRAWING FROM NATO
Minister Güler conveyed that the US has no intention of withdrawing from NATO, but that it wants allies in Europe and Canada to take on more responsibility for European security.