The United States and NATO took several steps closer to the realization of NATO 3.0 and European-led defense of Europe during a summit in Ankara, Turkey this week. The new approach restores balance to the Alliance, moving it toward greater burden sharing and self-reliance. U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced a surge in defense investment from Allies that will build on commitments made last year to work toward a benchmark five percent GDP investment by each member state.
“In the working session this morning, we discussed the progress other members are making toward the five percent target, and they’re making great progress,” said President Trump. “Some have truly answered the call and others are making big changes and will be answering the call. … And we’ll be taking in over a trillion dollars a year toward defense, and that’s a tremendous amount of money.”
The commitments will improve the independence of NATO Allies, building what the White House calls an “Arsenal of Freedom.” The pivot allows the U.S. to free critical resources for homeland defense and secure vital interests beyond Europe. The America First Arms Transfer Strategy ensures that the surge in allies’ spending “will benefit the U.S. defense industry, reindustrializing America while arming our partners with the best capabilities in the world,” said a White House statement.
“As European nations rebuild their militaries, American equipment will be the largest beneficiary. The defense companies are going to be making most of that equipment. They want the American equipment because it works better,” said President Trump.
Three billion dollars in major deals and joint ventures were announced at the summit.
Lockheed Martin will work to establish a Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Sustainment Facility in Europe. Northrup Grumman plans to sign Letters of Interest with 10 Nations to purchase MQ-4C Tritons, expanding NATO’s Allied Ground Surveillance program into the maritime domain. Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall will partner on Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) production in Europe. RTX and the Department of War will launch their Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) feasibility Study to expand production in Europe.
“We make the best equipment in the world. And to that end, I provided other leaders with an update on the steps we’re taking to rapidly scale up production in the United States,” said President Trump.
Germany and the Netherlands will buy Raytheon’s Stinger missile with European production as a condition of the bulk procurement. They aim to double the Stinger production volume by 2030.
Boeing and Rheinmetall-Italy will explore a partnership opportunity to expand production and sustainment for Boeing’s Small Diameter Bomb (SDB-I) for Europe. Anduril will commit to provide Poland with Barracuda-500 missiles, leading to a new production line in country.
The United States has renewed its commitment to Peace through Strength, American Leadership and Global Security. The new NATO commitments provide integral support to that effort.