07.07.2026 10:20
As Ankara prepares to host critical security decisions at the NATO Leaders' Summit starting today, a significant cooperation that could affect the balance in the defense industry has also come to the agenda. The United States, Germany, and some European countries are expected to sign a declaration of intent on joint missile production.
The NATO Leaders Summit, which the world is watching, begins today in Ankara. Within the scope of the summit, at the NATO Defense Industry Forum, a critical letter of intent is expected to be signed, led by the US and Germany, along with some European countries, to increase cooperation in the defense industry.
JOINT MISSILE PRODUCTION IN EUROPE ON THE TABLE
Negotiations are underway between the US, Germany, and some other European countries regarding the joint production of Raytheon's AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles in Europe and the establishment of a maintenance center in Europe for Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 Patriot air defense missiles.
If the plan is implemented, it aims to both increase Europe's defense production capacity and relieve the production burden on Raytheon and Lockheed Martin facilities in the US.
LETTER OF INTENT TO BE SIGNED IN ANKARA
The letter of intent regarding this cooperation in the defense industry is expected to be signed at the NATO Defense Industry Forum, to be held within the scope of the Ankara Summit.
The agreement is considered one of the important steps that will enable Europe to take a more active role in the defense industry.
UKRAINE WAR INCREASED DEMAND
The AIM-120C-8 missiles planned for joint production are used in both NASAMS air defense systems and F-16 fighter jets.
The need for these munitions, along with PAC-3 Patriot missiles, has increased significantly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine heavily uses these systems against Russian missile and drone attacks.
TRUMP INCREASED PRESSURE ON EUROPE
US President Donald Trump has long argued that European countries are too dependent on Washington for defense. Trump, while asking NATO allies to increase defense spending and purchase more American defense systems, also supports the joint production model.
In June, the US administration activated the Defense Production Act to overcome bottlenecks in munitions production.
GOAL TO SPEED UP PRODUCTION
The Washington administration aims to replenish the dwindling munitions stocks due to the Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East.
In this context, implementing the joint production model with Europe aims to both increase NATO's defense capacity and create more capacity in the US's own production facilities.