New military projects for the alliance were unveiled during the Defense Industry Forum, held on the sidelines of the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ankara.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska addressed the forum, detailing new initiatives in the fields of "Space and Surveillance," "Strike Capabilities," and "Integrated Air and Missile Defense."
The alliance has launched the "Halo" project, a new satellite constellation designed to bolster the space capabilities of NATO allies. This project is expected to significantly expand high-speed communication, intelligence, and missile tracking capabilities across the alliance.
Shekerinska noted that with Spain joining the "Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space" (APSS) initiative—which was established at the Washington Summit—the number of participating nations has risen to 19. She also confirmed that work continues on the "Starlift" initiative, which aims to deploy reserve satellites into orbit during emergencies.
The NATO official emphasized the strategic importance of Turkey's defense industry to the alliance. She highlighted the role of "TÜBİTAK Uzay" in the production of high-tech satellites and praised the contracts signed with "ASELSAN," specifically noting the radar equipment for the "Çelik Kubbe" (Steel Dome) national air defense system and the procurement of "ATMACA" long-range cruise missiles.
Describing NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defense systems as a cornerstone of the alliance's collective security, Shekerinska warned that recent months have seen an increase in airspace violations, making the rapid integration of new technologies critical. The forum concluded with an official signing ceremony regarding the new defense projects.
NATO, established in 1949, remains the world's largest intergovernmental military alliance. Its summits serve as key platforms for member states to align on security strategies, address emerging threats, and foster cooperation in defense industrial development, ensuring the collective defense of its 32 member countries.
