TRUMP: Türkiye BOUGHT THESE PLANES

The most critical topic in the statements of both leaders was the F-35 issue. This is the first time Trump has made such a clear statement on the issue. Trump answered the question about the F-35 sale to Türkiye. Trump said, “We need to make the F-35 decision. This is a decision we need to make. We have a very good relationship with Turkey. F-35s are great. It is an issue we can consider.”

Trump continued his words as follows: Let me add this, Türkiye bought these planes, they are the best planes. If you are purchasing an aircraft from the United States, if anything is done to the engines and their maintenance is also carried out; Of course, if you bought this plane from America, it is our responsibility to maintain it. I mean, is the engine running, will the engine be rehabilitated, will it be upgraded… Many people disagreed, but over time they began to understand that Türkiye was a great ally for us.

US President Trump, on the question about CAATSA sanctions, said, “I can say that we can lift the sanctions.” he said.

Director of Communications Burhanettin Duran, in his post on his social media account, said, “I condemn in the strongest terms the bomb attacks that took place in Damascus, the capital of Syria. Any terrorist act targeting the peace, security and stability of Syria is a threat to the common future of not only Syria but also our region. Violence and terrorism can have no legitimacy. Under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey supports efforts towards the permanent stability and security of Syria and supports Syria.” “We will continue to stand in solidarity with its people.” he said.

I condemn in the strongest terms the bomb attacks that took place in Damascus, the capital of Syria.

Any terrorist act targeting the peace, security and stability of Syria is a threat not only to the common future of Syria, but also to the common future of our region. No violence or terrorism…

— Burhanettin Duran (@burhanduran) July 7, 2026

NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum 2026 Reception was held at the Kahramankazan campus of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), hosted by Defense Industry (SSB) President Haluk Görgün.

In his speech here, Görgün stated that the Defense Industry Forum organized within the framework of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit was one of the biggest events in NATO history.

“A SPECIAL SECTION WILL BE DEVOTED TO THE ANKARA SUMMIT”

Pointing out that the world is going through a great transformation, Görgün said, “It is unthinkable for NATO to remain indifferent to this. All allies have been aware of these developments for a long time. This initiative, which grew step by step at the Vilnius, Washington and Hague summits, reached its peak today. When NATO history is written in the future, a special chapter will be reserved for the Ankara Summit, and the Defense Industry Forum will symbolize the beginning of a new era for NATO.” he said.

“TUSAŞ HAS BEEN SERVING Türkiye AND ALLIES FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS”

Görgün stated that TAI has been serving Türkiye and its allies for more than 50 years in a wide range of areas, from aircraft structures to modernization, from attack helicopters to jet trainers and satellites.

Stating that Baykar Technology is a global game-changing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) company that plays a critical role in Ukraine for transatlantic security, Görgün stated that KIZILELMA was exhibited at the forum and the product was highly appreciated.

Görgün informed that not only aircraft but also the latest technology systems of the Turkish defense industry were exhibited here, and emphasized the importance of establishing a safe and durable supply chain that allows different defense industry collaborations between allies.

SWEDEN’S CONTRIBUTION TO NATO’S DETERRENCE AND DEFENSE CAPABILITY

Swedish Defense Minister Jonson also said, “NATO’s decision to choose GlobalEye today is important for the alliance and Sweden, as well as for the transatlantic defense industrial base.” he said.

Noting that this means that Sweden contributes even more to NATO’s deterrence and defense capability, Jonson said, “For more than 40 years, the AWACS fleet has been the eyes of the Alliance in the sky and this mission is still very important, but the threat has evolved and is constantly changing.” he said.

Jonson continued his words as follows:

“GlobalEye aims to adapt to a new and more complex security environment and the very complex battlefield to which we are exposed. GlobalEye is an airborne early warning and control system. Simply put, it can see far and wide and helps commanders make early and informed decisions. NATO has selected GlobalEye as the future airborne surveillance and control capability. This means that Swedish technology will help protect allied airspace.”

“GLOBALEYE CAN DETECT AND TRACK UAVS AND MISSILES IN REAL TIME”

Saab’s CEO Johansson also stated that NATO’s decision is an important turning point for both Saab and his country.

Stating that GlobalEye can monitor air, land and sea elements simultaneously thanks to its high altitude, wide range and advanced active and passive sensor systems, Johansson stated that the system can process the information obtained with artificial intelligence technologies in a short time.

Johansson noted that GlobalEye can detect and track threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ballistic and cruise missiles in real time.

Stating that they are ready to move on to the next stage of the negotiation process with NATO, Johansson said that with the delivery of GlobalEye aircraft to the Alliance, NATO will be able to respond to developing threats more quickly and effectively.

Diplomatic traffic has intensified in the capital due to the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit held in Ankara.

Within the scope of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski, who visited Türkiye, at Esenboğa Airport.

While one of the most important agenda topics of the NATO Summit is the war in Ukraine and the security of the Euro-Atlantic geography, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy is expected to have bilateral contacts with many leaders within the scope of the summit. In this context, Zelenskiy is also expected to meet with US President Donald Trump.

Minister Ersoy welcomed Zelenski in Esenboğa! | Video

Minister Ersoy’s welcome program within the scope of the NATO Summit will continue throughout the day.

Later, Ersoy will welcome Czech Republic President Petr Pavel, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Polish President Karol Tadeusz Nawrocki, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini and President of the European Council of Heads of State and Government António Luís Santos da Costa at Esenboğa Airport.

Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün shared a post about the Defense Industry Forum held in Ankara within the framework of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit. Görgün said in his post: “These projects, in which ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, STM and TÜBİTAK will be among the contractors, will form the backbone of the Alliance’s deterrence architecture in the coming years.”

“WE HAVE ACHIEVED AN UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY”

In his speech at the opening of the Defense Industry Forum held in Ankara within the framework of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün stated that the effects and results of the forum could last for years and that he was pleased to host the participants in Ankara. Stating that the Defense Industry Forum is the “centerpiece” of this year’s summit, Görgün noted that this is largely due to a better understanding of the importance of the defense industry for the future of the allies.

Görgün stated that the fact that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made this issue a priority gave the forum a special meaning and said, “Another element that makes this forum truly unique is that it is held in Türkiye, which has exhibited an unprecedented growth in the defense industry under the leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.” he said.

Explaining that they worked in close cooperation with the NATO Secretariat for the forum, Görgün said, “In the face of high expectations from the forum, we planned every detail with the meticulousness of a jeweler, in close cooperation with the NATO Secretariat.” he said.

Stating that the participant profile has reached the highest level in terms of both quality and quantity this year, Görgün called on the participants to examine the talents on display and said, “I especially recommend that you do not miss the opportunity to get to know KIZILELMA closely.” he said.

“WE HAVE TOO LITTLE TIME”

Görgün pointed out NATO’s recent decisions to increase its defense production capacity and reminded that the Defense Production Action Plan was announced at the Vilnius Summit and an agreement was reached on the Industrial Capacity Expansion Commitment at the Washington Summit.

Görgün stated that the commitment to allocate 5 percent of gross domestic product to defense expenditures at the Hague Summit demonstrated the alliance’s agreement on industrial expansion and continued as follows:

“During the past three years, serious disruptions, wars and security threats in almost every region of the world have rewritten the defense architecture. It is against this background that today’s forum is being held. What is certain is that we have very little time, we need to strengthen our industrial capacity, and no country can shoulder this burden alone.”

Noting that, as Rutte frequently emphasizes, these goals will become realistic if NATO members act together, Görgün said, “As the Turkish defense industry, we are ready to be one of the driving forces of the industrial transformation that NATO needs.” he said.