Ankara

In July 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump was covertly smuggled out of Ankara, Turkey, following a NATO summit, after U.S. intelligence assessed a credible Iranian assassination threat. Trump publicly boarded Air Force One but secretly exited via a catering container truck to a smaller C-32A military jet, flying to RAF Mildenhall in the UK. The iconic Air Force One flew empty as a decoy, with journalists and staff unaware. The operation occurred amid U.S. military strikes in Iran and drew criticism for using the press as decoys.

39 reports · 12 sources · Updated Aug 24, 08:20 PM UTC

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on July 9, 2026, at the NATO summit in Ankara that Canada will spend approximately C$800 million ($564 million USD) to purchase Joint Strike Missiles (JSMs) from Norway's Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for its planned F-35A Lightning II fleet. This makes Canada the sixth country to select the long-range precision-guided missile, after Norway, Japan, Australia, the United States, and Germany. The JSM is designed to fit inside the F-35's internal weapons bays, allowing the fighter to maintain its stealth profile while striking ships and land targets from over 350 kilometers away. The acquisition expands the Royal Canadian Air Force's F-35 beyond air defense. Canada remains contractually committed to at least its first 16 F-35s but has not confirmed whether it will complete the original purchase of 88 fighters signed in 2023, as it continues to consider a mixed fleet including Swedish Gripens. Kongsberg also announced investments in Canada under the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:25 PM UTC

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced at the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara that Canada will spend approximately C$800 million ($564 million) to purchase Joint Strike Missiles (JSMs) from Norway's Kongsberg for its planned F-35A fleet. This makes Canada the sixth F-35 operator to select the long-range precision-guided missile, after Norway, Japan, Australia, the United States, and Germany. The JSM is designed to fit inside the F-35's internal weapons bays, allowing the fighter to maintain its stealth profile while carrying a 350-kilometer-range strike weapon capable of hitting both warships and land targets. The acquisition expands the Royal Canadian Air Force's F-35 beyond air defense. However, Canada continues to review its long-term fighter procurement plans, including the possibility of a mixed fleet with Swedish Gripens, and has not confirmed whether it will complete the original purchase of 88 F-35s signed in 2023.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:25 PM UTC

At the July 2026 NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, alliance leaders announced over $50 billion in new defense procurement deals and a separate $40 billion, five-year counter-drone investment program called the Drone Edge initiative, signed by 20 member states. However, the article highlights a critical but overlooked bottleneck: the supply of qualified electrical components such as wire, cable, and connectors. According to Ryan Barnhart of WireMasters, these components require a lengthy 12-24 month qualification process before they can be used in military platforms. The strain is most acute on specialized high-temperature aerospace wire and ruggedized harnesses, where a narrow supplier base cannot rapidly scale to meet simultaneous demand from multiple NATO programs. This supply chain constraint threatens to delay production of precision strike weapons, air defense systems, and autonomous platforms as the alliance shifts toward more electronically complex warfare capabilities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 03:51 PM UTC

On June 19, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a customized Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, valued at $400 million, as a new Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews. Trump praised the plane as the world’s most luxurious and took his first flight to North Dakota for July 4 celebrations. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, condemned the gift as potential bribery and a constitutional violation, noting taxpayers spent an additional $400 million on upgrades and maintenance. Trump dismissed concerns, claiming minimal cost to the public.

27 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 25, 02:30 PM UTC

Alican Uludag, a Turkish journalist working for Deutsche Welle, was arrested in Ankara on July 21, 2026, for critical online posts allegedly inciting public hatred and spreading false information. A court ordered his temporary release on July 22 under conditions including reporting to police four times a week and a travel ban. The next hearing is set for September 18. Uludag had previously spent 90 days in Silivri prison for insulting President Erdogan. Deutsche Welle's Director General Barbara Massing condemned the arrest as deeply concerning and demanded a fair, rule-of-law process. The case highlights ongoing press freedom concerns in Turkey, where tens of thousands have been prosecuted for similar offenses in recent years.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:20 PM UTC

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that Italy intends to increase its defence spending to 5% of its GDP within the next ten years, up from the current level of approximately 2.1%. The statement was made during a joint session of the foreign affairs and defence committees of the Italian parliament, where a report on the recent NATO summit in Ankara (July 7-8, 2026) was also presented. Tajani confirmed Italy's commitment to the NATO agreement reached at last year's summit in The Hague, which set a target of 5% of GDP for defence spending by 2035. Under that agreement, 3.5% of GDP would be allocated to core defence, and 1.5% to related objectives such as critical infrastructure protection and civil defence. According to NATO estimates, Italian defence spending was 2.09% of GDP in 2025 and 2.10% in 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:14 AM UTC

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that Italy will increase its defence spending to 5% of its GDP within a decade, up from the current level of just over 2%. The statement was made during a joint session of the foreign affairs and defence committees of the Italian parliament. Tajani confirmed Italy's commitment to the NATO agreement reached at the previous year's summit in The Hague, which set a target of 5% of GDP for defence spending by 2035. Under that plan, 3.5% would go to core defence and 1.5% to related objectives like critical infrastructure protection and civil defence. According to NATO estimates, Italian defence spending was 2.09% of GDP in 2025 and 2.10% in 2026. The announcement follows the recent NATO summit held on 7-8 July in Ankara.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:14 AM UTC

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that Italy intends to increase its defence spending to 5% of its GDP within a decade, up from the current level of just over 2%. The statement was made during a joint session of the foreign affairs and defence committees of the Italian parliament. Tajani confirmed Italy's commitment to the NATO agreement reached at the previous year's summit in The Hague, which set a target of 5% of GDP for defence spending by 2035, with 3.5% allocated to core defence and 1.5% to related objectives like critical infrastructure and civil defence. According to NATO estimates, Italian defence spending was 2.09% of GDP in 2025 and 2.10% in 2026. The announcement follows the recent NATO summit held on 7-8 July in Ankara.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:14 AM UTC

The NATO Summit in Ankara in July 2026 marked a turning point in US-Turkey defense relations, with President Trump expressing willingness to lift CAATSA sanctions imposed after Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 systems. US officials confirmed that Turkey's return to the F-35 fighter jet program is possible, with talks yielding 'promising' results. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that Congressional legal frameworks remain a necessary condition for any compromise. Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program in 2019, a year before formal CAATSA sanctions were imposed in December 2020. The sanctions targeted Turkey's defense procurement agency SSB and its officials. Even if sanctions are lifted, a multi-stage process including rebuilding military trust would precede full F-35 access. Strong opposition from Greece and Israel in the US Congress remains a significant obstacle.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:48 AM UTC

The NATO Summit in Ankara in July 2026 marked a turning point in US-Turkey defense relations, with President Trump expressing willingness to lift CAATSA sanctions imposed after Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 systems. US officials confirmed that Ankara's return to the F-35 fighter jet program is possible, with talks yielding 'promising' results. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that the US Congress's legal framework remains a necessary condition for any compromise. CAATSA sanctions, imposed in December 2020, targeted Turkey's defense procurement agency SSB and its officials, banning export licenses and financing. Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program in 2019 despite being a key partner producing over 1,000 components and paying $1.4 billion. The US Congress faces lobbying pressure from Greece and Israel opposing F-35 sales to Turkey, citing regional power balance concerns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:48 AM UTC

At a summit in Ankara, NATO allies approved a separate strategy document aimed at increasing the alliance's engagement with the defence industry. The strategy has three main objectives: improving communication between NATO bodies and arms makers, advancing innovation and interoperability, and scaling up production. NATO will share an 'aggregated demand signal' based on its Defence Planning Process (NDPP) to give industry earlier insight into capability needs, addressing a long-standing complaint that industry is consulted too late. A single entry point, the NATO Industry Front Door, was launched to simplify access for defence firms. Experts note challenges ahead, including ensuring smaller players are not excluded, clarifying which NATO body leads industry dialogue, and securing dedicated funding, which remains limited compared to EU initiatives. The Conference of National Armaments is expected to develop an implementation plan by October 2025, potentially consolidating acquisition programmes for next-generation tanks, precision strike missiles, and drones.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:00 AM UTC

This opinion piece from Die Welt argues that Europe can no longer rely on the predictability of a US president, citing the recent NATO summit in Ankara as a turning point. The summit revealed two parallel narratives: one dominated by Donald Trump's personal attacks and non-binding announcements, and another where the alliance quietly worked on capabilities independent of Washington's mood swings. The author draws a historical parallel to Kaiser Wilhelm II's Germany, which abandoned Otto von Bismarck's careful, institution-based alliance management for risky escalation, leading to uncontrolled crises. The article warns that if Europe does not adopt a new realpolitik—based on self-reliance and careful power calculation—change will still come, but in the form of uncontrolled crises. Germany is urged to treat the current situation as a structural shift, not a temporary episode.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 03:06 PM UTC

US-based defense company Anduril Industries has been selected by NATO's Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) for the Enhanced Air Command and Control (eAirC2) Data Platform Initiative. During a nine-month evaluation phase, Anduril UK and its European team will deploy the Lattice platform within the NATO environment, integrating air traffic control, airspace surveillance, and force management functions. The Lattice platform uses an open architecture to integrate existing systems rather than replacing them, enabling secure data exchange while allowing each of the 32 NATO member states to retain full control over their own operational data. The system is designed to maintain synchronization and data distribution even in degraded or restricted communications environments, countering electronic warfare and cyber threats. The announcement was made during the NATO Summit in Ankara, highlighting the initiative as one of NATO's most important modernization efforts for building a digital nervous system for Allied air operations in high-intensity conflicts.

1 reports · 1 sources

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, ahead of the July 7-8, 2026 Ankara summit, emphasized delivering on the alliance's 5% GDP defense spending target and sending a clear message to Russia. He credited U.S. President Trump for driving over a trillion dollars in increased European and Canadian defense spending. The summit will include Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, focus on defense industry innovation, and aim to smooth tensions with Trump over issues like the Iran war and Greenland. Rutte expects tens of billions in new arms contracts and a credible path to the 5% target by 2035.

64 reports · 22 sources · Updated Jul 14, 06:00 PM UTC

The UK and Netherlands signed a £2.4 billion agreement on July 7, 2026, during a NATO summit in Ankara, to build a joint fleet of eight 15,000-tonne amphibious transport ships. Each nation will operate four vessels, built in UK shipyards to a Dutch design, restoring Royal Navy amphibious capability after the 2025 retirement of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark. The deal is part of the Future Commando Force program, backed by over £500 million, and strengthens NATO’s northern flank and Arctic operations.

20 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:15 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump travels to Ankara, Turkey for a NATO summit, where he plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to revive stalled diplomacy on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump, feeling urgency as neither side makes progress and costs mount, also held calls with Putin and Zelenskyy. The summit addresses NATO burden-sharing, tensions over Iran, and a new $140 billion aid package for Ukraine. Russia struck Kyiv on the eve of the summit, killing 11.

62 reports · 19 sources · Updated Jul 11, 10:51 AM UTC

On July 9, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Germany’s purchase of up to 400 U.S. Tomahawk Block Vb cruise missiles and Typhon ground launchers, valued at over $1 billion. The deal, finalized on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, shifts from planned U.S. deployments to Germany’s own long-range strike capability, closing a strategic defense gap. The move follows U.S. President Trump’s reduction of American troops in Germany and aims to deter Russia, which has deployed Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad. Germany also plans to develop European missile systems.

17 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 17, 03:03 AM UTC

The UK, alongside a dozen NATO allies including France, Germany, Italy, and Turkey, announced a $50 billion, ten-year initiative to develop deep precision strike missiles with ranges from 300 km to over 2,000 km. Announced at the NATO Summit in Ankara, the project aims to enhance deterrence against Russia, drawing lessons from the Ukraine war. It includes joint programs for hypersonic weapons, Storm Shadow successors, and ballistic missiles, with the UK committing £3 billion by 2030.

15 reports · 7 sources · Updated Jul 10, 03:48 PM UTC

On July 8, 2026, at the NATO summit in Ankara, Belgium and the Netherlands signed a €3.1 billion agreement to jointly acquire a multi-layered air defense system. The package includes 10 NASAMS systems, 20 Skyranger 30 systems, 14 GM200 radars, and 54 command vehicles. Belgium will lease initial NASAMS capacity from 2027, rebuilding its air defense capability after a 20-year gap. Funding comes from the EU’s SAFE instrument.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 12, 09:30 AM UTC

At the NATO summit in Ankara, Secretary General Mark Rutte announced over $50 billion in new defence deals, including the purchase of up to 10 Saab GlobalEye aircraft to replace AWACS, up to five MQ-4C Triton drones, and expansions of the A400M and A330 MRTT fleets. Allies also pledged €35 billion for counter-drone capabilities, launched space initiatives, and discussed increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

9 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 9, 07:26 AM UTC

The Presidency of Religious Affairs in Turkey has officially announced that the pre-registration and registration renewal processes for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage will commence on May 18, 2026. According to a statement released via the social media account of the General Directorate of Hajj and Umrah Services, prospective pilgrims are required to complete their applications within a specific window. The registration period will remain open from May 18 until June 19, 2026. Applicants will be able to conduct these transactions electronically through the e-Government platform, ensuring a streamlined digital process for citizens. This announcement provides crucial timeline information for Turkish Muslims planning to perform the Hajj in 2027, allowing them sufficient time to prepare necessary documentation and complete the administrative requirements. The news was reported by the Anadolu Agency, highlighting the government's structured approach to managing religious tourism and pilgrimage logistics. No additional details regarding quota allocations or health requirements were included in this specific brief update, which focuses solely on the administrative scheduling of the registration phase.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) in Turkey has officially denied allegations that it instructed foundation universities to set tuition fees for foreign students lower than those for Turkish students. In a statement released on May 15, 2026, YÖK described these claims as completely unfounded. The council clarified that under Higher Education Law No. 2547, tuition fees at foundation higher education institutions are determined exclusively by the boards of trustees of the respective universities. YÖK emphasized that it lacks the legal authority to determine specific tuition fees or create fee schedules for particular student groups. The statement further addressed a legal regulation from December 19, 2025, explaining that this regulation only establishes procedures for tuition fee increases for continuing students (excluding preparatory and first-year students) and does not dictate initial fee levels. This clarification aims to correct misinformation circulating in some media outlets regarding the pricing strategies for international students in Turkish foundation universities.

1 reports · 1 sources

Turkish authorities have detained 41 suspects involved in a sophisticated criminal organization that defrauded citizens of approximately 32 million liras. The operation, centered in Ankara and executed simultaneously across eight provinces, targeted individuals under the false pretext of necessary internet infrastructure changes. According to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the suspects utilized illegal call center panels to contact victims via 0850 numbers, demanding payments for fictitious modem fees. Through these deceptive practices, the group illegally obtained personal data and financial benefits. While detention orders were initially issued for 46 individuals, five suspects remain at large as police efforts to capture them continue. The investigation was conducted in collaboration with the Ankara Provincial Police Department's Anti-Cyber Crimes Branch Directorate. This case highlights ongoing cybercrime threats involving social engineering tactics where criminals impersonate service providers to exploit citizens. The significant financial loss and the coordinated nature of the arrests underscore the scale of the fraudulent network operating within the region.

1 reports · 1 sources

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz advised young Germans against studying or working in the US, citing a deteriorating social climate and limited job opportunities. This remark highlights escalating diplomatic tensions with President Donald Trump’s administration, triggered by disputes over Iran negotiations, Ukraine, and trade tariffs. The rift led to US threats of troop withdrawals from Germany and mutual criticisms between the leaders. Although a recent phone call resolved specific strategic disagreements regarding Iran, the incident underscores significant strain in transatlantic relations and shifting geopolitical alliances between Berlin and Washington.

20 reports · 16 sources · Updated May 17, 12:50 PM UTC

Turkey has proposed the construction of a $1.2 billion (€1 billion) fuel pipeline dedicated to military use, designed to enhance energy security for NATO allies on the eastern European flank. According to sources familiar with the matter, the pipeline would run from Turkey through Bulgaria to Romania. This initiative is part of NATO's broader effort to expand its Cold War-era underground fuel network, which currently ends in Germany. Ankara argues that this route is significantly more cost-effective, estimated at one-fifth the price of alternatives involving Greece or maritime transport, while also offering greater resilience against supply disruptions. The proposal gains urgency amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have highlighted vulnerabilities in energy supply chains. Turkey aims to secure ally support for the project ahead of or during the NATO summit hosted in Ankara in July. The pipeline is strictly for military purposes, with capacity details remaining classified. This move complements similar infrastructure efforts by Poland and Romania to strengthen defensive logistics in the region.

1 reports · 1 sources

Mustafa Çiftçi, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkey, released a video message featuring sign language to mark Disabled Persons Week. The announcement was made via his social media account on May 15, 2026, from Ankara. In his statement, Minister Çiftçi emphasized national unity and solidarity, asserting that the nation's completeness relies on the inclusion of disabled individuals. He stated, "We are members of the same nation together. This unity is complete with you." The Minister further elaborated on the government's commitment to creating a society where every citizen enjoys equal opportunities and actively participates in social life. He highlighted values of love, understanding, and solidarity, noting that the country is united under the same flag and committed to shared values. Çiftçi affirmed that obstacles would be overcome collectively, fostering stronger bonds within the nation. The message underscores the administration's focus on accessibility and social integration for disabled citizens, aiming to grow solidarity and ensure that disabled individuals feel understood and supported by the state and society alike.

1 reports · 1 sources

The number of suspects detained in a major investigation targeting officials of the Tepebaşı Municipality in Eskişehir, Turkey, has increased to 25. The operation, coordinated by the Eskişehir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and initiated following complaints from the Smuggling and Organized Crimes Investigation Bureau, addresses serious allegations including qualified embezzlement by chain, document forgery, violations of the Tax Procedure Law, money laundering, and abuse of office. Initially, 23 individuals were detained, including Deputy Mayor S.Y. and Ö.E., the private secretary to Mayor Ahmet Ataç. In total, 35 people were questioned across Eskişehir, Ankara, and Adana. A significant development in the probe involved the discovery of a concealed underground room at the residence of Ö.E. in the Keskin District. Police teams uncovered and seized nine customs-smuggled cryptocurrency mining devices within this hidden space. The investigation highlights ongoing efforts by Turkish authorities to combat organized crime and corruption within local government structures, focusing on financial irregularities and illicit asset management.

1 reports · 1 sources

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation to address rising tensions in German-American relations, following recent personal attacks by Trump against Merz. Despite Trump previously criticizing Merz's understanding of geopolitical issues and Germany's economic state, Merz described the call as productive. The two leaders reached an agreement on Iran, stating that Tehran must return to negotiations, open the Strait of Hormuz, and refrain from acquiring nuclear weapons. They also discussed strategies for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and coordinated their positions ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. This dialogue occurs against a backdrop of strained relations due to the Iran crisis and recent Russian escalations. Additionally, the US Department of Defense announced the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany, further impacting bilateral dynamics. Merz emphasized the strength of the NATO alliance, asserting that the USA and Germany remain key partners despite recent diplomatic friction and differing views on military strategy in the Middle East.

1 reports · 1 sources

Mehmet Şimşek, the Minister of Treasury and Finance of Turkey, announced that the country's budget performance remains consistent with established targets. In a statement reported by the Anadolu Agency on May 15, 2026, Şimşek highlighted significant fiscal improvements despite challenging economic conditions. He specifically noted that the primary budget balance saw an annual improvement of 536 billion lira during the first four months of the year. This declaration serves as an official assessment of the government's fiscal management and economic stability efforts. The report originates from Ankara and emphasizes the resilience of the Turkish budget under current difficult circumstances. While the article is concise and labeled as developing news, it provides key quantitative data regarding the primary budget balance, offering insight into the current state of Turkey's public finances. The Minister's comments aim to reassure stakeholders about the adherence to fiscal goals and the effectiveness of ongoing economic policies managed by the Treasury and Finance Ministry.

1 reports · 1 sources