NATO unveils billions in arms deals to mollify Don

Trump appeasement | Transatlantic alliance showcases military projects to ease concerns over European defence spend

AP ANKARA

President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara on Tuesday afternoon for the two-day NATO summit, as the military alliance announced multi-billion-dollar arms deals to appease the critical US leader. 

To demonstrate its capabilities, NATO showcased major hardware upgrades. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced a 10-nation consortium deal with Swedish manufacturer Saab for 10 new GlobalEye surveillance aircraft to replace its half-century-old radar planes.

Additional multi-nation contracts include purchasing Airbus refueling planes and Triton surveillance drones, partially funded by up to $170 billion in EU defence loans.  The industry display follows Rutte's recent pitch highlighting $1.2 trillion in non-US allied spending since 2017. 

Trump, however, remained unmoved, citing his dissatisfaction with European allies refusing to join the Iran war he launched with Israel. 

"We don't need their money," Trump said, adding, "I just want loyalty".  The summit centers on a "NATO 3.0" reboot, where the Pentagon expects Europe to assume primary responsibility for its own defence, freeing US resources for China and the Indo-Pacific.  

This transition comes amid rising concerns over potential Russian hybrid attacks and internal fiscal strains, underscored by UK Defence Secretary John Healey's recent resignation over spending limits.  

Regional rivalries also overshadowed the event. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Washington to halt potential F-35 fighter jet sales to Turkey, claiming Erdogan openly calls for Israel's annihilation. 

Turkey had been barred from the F-35 project in 2019, but Trump has hinted at resuming sales.