06.07.2026 13:20
Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone stated that before the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey plays a central role in the alliance with its strong army, strategic position, and defense industry. Noting that he visited defense industry facilities in Turkey, Dragone said, "The defense industry impressed me greatly," emphasizing that Turkey sets an example for other NATO countries with its production speed and delivery capability.
Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, drew attention to Turkey's importance within the alliance ahead of the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Ankara. Stressing that Turkey is an indispensable ally for NATO with its strong army, developing defense industry and strategic location, Dragone said, "We trust Turkey and are pleased to see it as our ally."
"NATO IS STRONGER AND MORE DETERMINED"
Speaking at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, stated that the alliance has undergone a significant transformation process since he took office in January 2025.
Noting that NATO is now more prepared against threats, Dragone said, "A year and a half ago we were waking up, today we are standing and moving forward. We have not yet reached the goal, but it is clear we are moving in the right direction. NATO is today stronger and more determined."
"WE EXPECT THE COMMITMENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED"
Pointing out the great military importance of the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara, Dragone said they want to see concrete steps rather than statements at the summit.
"We expect the promises made at the Hague Summit to now be put into practice," said Dragone, emphasizing that increasing defense investments and allies fulfilling their commitments are the primary goals.
CALL FOR SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE
Dragone also emphasized that NATO members must maintain their support for Ukraine.
Highlighting the importance of supporting Ukraine as long as it needs, Dragone stated that they expect the production momentum achieved in the defense industry to be maintained.
"EUROPE CAN TAKE ON THIS BURDEN"
Commenting on the possibility of the US reducing its military presence in Europe, Dragone said European countries have the capacity to take on this responsibility.
Stating that with increased defense investments, Europe can provide for its own security more strongly, Dragone expressed that this will take time but progress is being made in the right direction.
"TURKEY IS A STRONG ALLY"
Evaluating Turkey's role in NATO, Dragone noted that Turkey has the second largest army in the alliance.
Stating that Turkey's strategic location at the intersection of the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Middle East is of great importance for NATO, Dragone said, "Both geographically and militarily, Turkey undertakes a very important mission."
"THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY IMPRESSED ME GREATLY"
Dragone mentioned that he visited defense industry facilities in Turkey and was impressed by the production capacity he saw.
"It was truly impressive," said Dragone, expressing that with its investments in the defense industry, production speed, and delivery capability, Turkey has reached a level that can set an example for other NATO members.
"IT WILL BE EVEN STRONGER IN THE FUTURE"
Stating that Turkey's weight within NATO will increase further in the future, Dragone said, "In my assessment, Turkey is a strong ally and will become even stronger in the future. I believe it will set an example for other allied countries with its investments in the defense industry and production capacity."
"TURKEY IS AT THE CENTER OF THE ALLIANCE"
Emphasizing that Turkey is at the center of NATO not only with its geographical location but also with its role in security policies, Dragone said, "Geographically, it may be on the border line, but on many important issues, it is right at the center of the Alliance. We trust Turkey and are pleased to see it as our ally."
"32 IS NOT JUST A NUMBER"
Stating that trust among allied countries is NATO's greatest strength, Dragone said Turkey's security concerns should also be evaluated with the same understanding.
"32 is not just a number. If we can fully benefit from the opportunities offered by this unity, we will become a much stronger alliance," he assessed.