07.07.2026 11:20
The 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government, hosted by Ankara, began with the first-ever Defense Industry Forum in the alliance's history. Speaking at the forum, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that Norway, Finland, Germany, and Denmark had signed a letter of intent for the joint purchase of MQ-4C Triton UAVs, and that NATO allies would purchase 12 new tanker aircraft from Airbus.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, at the defense industry forum held in Ankara, shared with the public new decisions that will strengthen the alliance's air surveillance and air refueling capabilities.
Rutte announced that Norway, Finland, Germany, and Denmark have signed a letter of intent for the joint purchase of Northrop Grumman-built MQ-4C Triton high-altitude surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
NATO TO ACQUIRE TRITON UAVs FOR THE FIRST TIME
With this acquisition, NATO will add MQ-4C Triton high-altitude surveillance UAVs to its inventory for the first time. The new platforms will complement the RQ-4D Phoenix intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance fleet stationed at Sigonella Air Base on the Italian island of Sicily.
Both systems will operate under NATO's ground surveillance program.
The MQ-4C Triton and RQ-4D Phoenix are developed based on Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk platform. With a wingspan of approximately 35.4 meters, these aircraft can perform uninterrupted missions for over 30 hours.
12 MORE TANKER AIRCRAFT TO BE ACQUIRED
Rutte also announced that NATO allies will purchase 12 new tanker aircraft from Airbus to strengthen the joint tanker transport fleet. The new aircraft are aimed at enhancing the alliance's air refueling and strategic air transport capabilities.
"INTELLIGENCE AND SURVEILLANCE ARE CRITICAL"
Speaking at the defense industry forum, Rutte stated that intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities are vital for NATO and expressed that the alliance will continue to increase defense investments to adapt to the changing security environment.