The Hague: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday welcomed recent progress on a key issue with the US, the delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Trkiye. "We discussed the F-35 (fighter jet) issue. We made payments of $1.3 to 1.4 billion for F-35s, and we saw that Mr. Trump was well-intentioned about delivering them," Erdogan told a news conference in The Hague after a NATO summit, referring to his meeting with his US counterpart Donald Trump late Tuesday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan mentioned that Turkish teams are continuing work on the maintenance and modernization of F-16s as well as on procurement related to the F-35s. Erdogan noted that the outcome of the summit was increasing defense spending for the allied countries. He emphasized that Trkiye is the most affected allied country by both terrorism and regional crises, and authorities have been making efforts to keep the country away from conflicts and tensions.
Erdogan highlighted Trkiye's attempts to increase its deterrence and strengthen defense capabilities, stating that the country has made significant progress in its defense industry in recent years. He announced that Ankara will gradually increase its defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP over the next 10 years using the national budget.
He expressed that while increasing defense spending is crucial, mutual understanding and cooperation among allies must also be sincerely established. Erdogan pointed out that Trkiye led efforts to ensure NATO documents call for lifting all barriers to defense trade among allies, without exception.
On European defense industry integration, Erdogan mentioned that the participation of non-EU NATO partners would benefit all of Europe. Ankara is also holding talks with London and Berlin on the Eurofighter jet program, with positive developments noted.
Erdogan reaffirmed Trkiye's diplomatic push for a just and sustainable peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that a window of opportunity has opened for a ceasefire and lasting peace. He expressed hope that the war would conclude soon with the support of allies and reiterated that a just peace has no losers.
Regarding discussions with Trump, Erdogan clarified that the idea of building casinos and resorts in Gaza did not come up during their meeting. He affirmed that Trkiye's role in the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo would continue, ensuring stability in the region.
Erdogan also commented on successful talks held between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, managed by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. On Spain's defense spending commitment, Erdogan saw no issue with the 10-year timeline and expressed Trkiye's support for meeting NATO's strength requirements.