NATO unveils billions in arms deals to prove its firepower as Trump arrives in Ankara

NATO unveils billions in arms deals to prove its firepower as Trump arrives in Ankara links the alliance’s new procurement announcements with President Donald Trump’s visit to Turkey. Speaking in Ankara, Trump said the U.S. would lift sanctions imposed after Ankara bought a Russian missile defense system, a move that had led Turkey to be kicked out of the U.S. F-35 program. He said removing the sanctions—under CAATSA—would help ease steps for Turkey to regain access to the F-35s, a key goal for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump also indicated the sale of F-35s was something Washington would consider. In parallel, NATO showcased “big reveal” defense projects worth billions, described by Secretary-General Mark Rutte as “money well spent.” NATO does not own weapons, but has a fleet of 14 AWACS aircraft and planned replacements: Saab will supply up to 10 GlobalEye surveillance aircraft for a 10-nation consortium.