NATO deputy chief hails Türkiye defense investments, urges deterrence

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska on Wednesday emphasized the need for robust military deterrence to secure the alliance’s future while praising Türkiye’s defense investments during a high-level panel discussion in Brussels organized by Ankara’s Directorate of Communications.

Long-term deterrence

Shekerinska told attendees that maintaining security across the alliance requires sustained commitments rather than temporary measures. "In order to continue protecting our alliance, we need strong military deterrence, we need a strong defense posture," she said. She stressed that elevated defense spending must continue "not just for now, but for years to come," adding that enhanced military capabilities remain the most effective means of preventing conflict.

Ankara’s alliance role

The NATO official highlighted Türkiye’s planned spending increases as impressive demonstrations of its commitment to both the alliance and broader regional security. She noted that Ankara has long exceeded NATO’s 2% GDP defense benchmark — even during periods when numerous allies fell short — and maintains the organization’s second-largest army. "We always stress that Türkiye has been an invaluable ally for nearly 75 years," Shekerinska said, citing contributions across maritime, land, and air domains while adding that Ankara remains committed to further increases aligned with collective spending goals.

Evolving security challenges

Shekerinska identified threats stretching from the Arctic to the Mediterranean and Black Sea region, including missile and drone attacks, cyber threats, and instability in NATO’s southern neighborhood. She urged allies to accelerate defense industrial production to ensure credible deterrence capabilities against these persistent dangers. The upcoming summit presents a crucial opportunity to demonstrate delivery on commitments made in The Hague last year regarding increased defense investments, she noted.

Panel participants

Following her keynote address, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to NATO Ambassador Basat Oztürk, National Defense Commission Chair Hulusi Akar, NATO Acting Assistant Secretary General for Operations Burcu San, and Belgian Air Force Maj. Gen. Harold Van Pee joined discussions on adapting the alliance to emerging risks. The panel highlighted Ankara’s longstanding contribution to collective security and its role in addressing modern warfare challenges. The event formed part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reinforce transatlantic cooperation ahead of critical alliance meetings.