The support of Turkey on NATO‘s decision to more than double its defense spending target to 5% of GDP by 2035, a source at the Turkish Defense Ministry expressed, noting that Angara has already exceeded the 2% threshold that was in place.

Following the allies’ agreement to raise the defense spending target to 5% of GDP over the next decade, the source said that “Turkey is above the 2% target of the Defense Spending Commitment,” adding: “As the second largest military in NATO, Turkey is among the five largest contributors to the alliance’s operations and missions.”

Expansion of the air defence network throughout the country

The source said that Turkey has met all NATO objectives related to its capabilities and continues to invest in development and research in the defense industry. It plans to expand a multi-layered air defense network across the country, centered around its national plan “Steel Dome.”

“We are investing in air defence systems; supersonic, ballistic and cruise missiles; unmanned land, sea and air systems; and next-generation aircraft carriers, frigates and tanks,” the source said.