NATO Allies Pledge $40 Bln Investment in Drone Capabilities

NATO allies have announced plans to invest more than $40 billion in drone and counter-drone capabilities over the next five years, as the alliance seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities amid rising security challenges.

The announcement was made during the NATO summit in Ankara, where member states unveiled a series of major defense investment commitments.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Tuesday that the alliance is rapidly expanding its ability to deploy and operate drones on a large scale while also developing stronger systems to detect, identify and neutralize hostile unmanned aircraft.

The planned investment will focus on improving drone technology, enhancing counter-drone defenses and expanding operational training for military personnel, as part of NATO's broader effort to significantly increase defense spending.

The move reflects the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare, with drones playing an increasingly central role in surveillance, reconnaissance and combat operations.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump may signal during the summit that he is open to allowing Turkey to return to the F-35 fighter jet program, according to reports by The New York Times and CNN, citing US officials.