Türkiye central to NATO’s future security, says former German general

Türkiye is of vital importance to NATO’s security and is also playing a growing role as a stable regional anchor, a former top German general said on Friday ahead of next week’s NATO summit in Ankara. “Türkiye is the solid cornerstone of the Alliance’s defence in the southeast and a Black Sea power; the Black Sea will once again take on increasing importance in the future, just as the Baltic Sea does today. Furthermore, Türkiye is the guardian of the straits and also has formidable armed forces,” retired Brig. Gen. Klaus Wittmann told Anadolu.

NATO’s strength and US withdrawal

Wittmann pointed out that NATO had never been as powerful as it is now, citing Sweden and Finland’s accession, increased defence spending, and broad consensus on thwarting Russia’s objectives in Ukraine. He downplayed the likelihood of US withdrawal, saying “President Trump couldn’t pull that off without Congress, but he can, of course, undermine and weaken NATO.” He emphasised that the European pillar can only be strengthened if Europeans build up forces quickly to replace drawn‑down US troops and acquire capabilities such as combat aircraft, satellite reconnaissance, air defence, and aerial refuelling.

Summit focus

Wittmann said the main focus of the Ankara summit will be “on continued military aid for Ukraine and an assessment of defence spending and its increase, further defence planning, and efforts to further adapt the NATO force model, including in light of the announced reduction in US capabilities.” The July 7-8 summit, the 36th NATO summit and the second hosted by Türkiye, will bring together heads of state and government from member states. Wittmann said Türkiye “may very well” play an even greater role in protecting NATO’s southeastern flank amid the US-Iran conflict.