Ankara: Trkiye has committed to procuring a significant number of ground-launched long-range Atmaca cruise missiles, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska announced Tuesday, as allies seek to expand defense production and strengthen long-range strike capabilities.

According to Anadolu Agency, Shekerinska, speaking at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum in Ankara, revealed that six allies have joined an initiative for the large-scale development and procurement of low-cost ground-launched cruise missiles. She noted that the combined value of these projects, along with 155 mm ammunition initiatives, is approximately $1.6 billion.

The announcement coincides with the gathering of NATO allies in the Turkish capital for the July 7-8 summit. The summit's agenda includes discussions on defense industrial capacity, ammunition production, deterrence, and support for Ukraine.

The NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum serves as a platform for senior alliance officials, allied and partner representatives, and industry leaders to deliberate on defense production, investment, and innovation. The forum is particularly timely as the alliance encourages members to replenish stocks and boost production.

The Atmaca family, developed by Turkish defense firm Roketsan, represents one of Trkiye's prominent domestically produced missile programs. The ground-launched Atmaca system is designed to be a long-range cruise missile deployed from tactical wheeled vehicles targeting strategic ground objectives.

According to Roketsan, the missile boasts a high-precision strike capability, resistance to countermeasures, all-weather operational capability, and features such as mission planning, target update, retargeting, and mission abort functions via data link.

In recent years, Trkiye has significantly increased its defense industry output, focusing on missiles, drones, air defense systems, armored vehicles, and ammunition. The country aims to position its domestic defense sector as a valuable contributor to NATO's collective deterrence and industrial resilience.