Dutch Chief of Defence Onno Eichelsheim answered questions from an Anadolu Agency (AA) reporter during his visit to Ankara ahead of the NATO Summit to be held on July 7-8. Pointing out that the Ankara Summit will contain many milestones, Eichelsheim said, 'The most important element that must come out of this summit is that we fulfil the 3.5 percent commitment we made in The Hague.'
This summit should provide more detail and clarity on the next steps,' he said. Eichelsheim noted that his country's preparations on this issue could serve as an example, saying, 'We have prepared a 'White Paper' and demonstrated our willingness to meet the 5 percent defence spending target for the NATO Alliance.'
Pointing out that the second issue is that European countries are beginning to take on responsibility within NATO to compensate for the capabilities the US is withdrawing from the Alliance, Eichelsheim said, 'I think this is also an important milestone. From this perspective, the fact that Europeans are really starting to take on more responsibility within the Alliance can be considered a historic moment.'
EXPECTATIONS FROM THE ANKARA SUMMIT... Eichelsheim conveyed his expectations from the Ankara Summit as follows: 'I think the summit should first of all show our determination as an Alliance and that we are still together, that our ties are strong. I think this is one of the key messages we will send to the outside world.'
Secondly, we must show that the 3.5 percent target we agreed on last year is now being implemented by Alliance members. Thirdly, in my view, as a positive outcome, we should be able to present a path to peace for the Russia-Ukraine war and a solution path for the Iran-Israel-US conflict. Because these two issues are extremely important for stability.
EUROPE MUST TAKE MORE RESPONSIBILITY IN NATO Touching on the US beginning to reduce its military contributions in Europe, Eichelsheim assessed the issue as follows: 'We need the US within the Alliance. I also think it would not be right for Europeans to try to do everything alone. But we need to take on more responsibility. I think this is very clear.'
Therefore, Europe has the capacity to fill the gap created by the elements the US is currently withdrawing. Over time, European countries must go further in this area, and for that we need our defence industry. We see that Turkey has an industry that can meet these needs. The European defence industry, however, still has some steps to take to reach this level.
Eichelsheim stressed that allies must be willing to meet the new targets, saying, 'Yes, European countries will be able to achieve this. But it is clear that it will take time. The first steps are being taken, but more time is needed.'
INVESTMENT SHOULD BE MADE IN LOW-COST INTERCEPTOR SYSTEMS Regarding the Alliance's new vision expected to take shape at the Ankara Summit, Eichelsheim said: 'For me, NATO 3.0 means several things. First of all, we need to have resilient societies and robust defence industries that will show we can act quickly as soon as a war starts.'
We must provide deterrence; but to be a deterrent, we also need the industry and society to support it. Therefore, resilient societies and resilient industry are fundamental elements. Secondly, we must show that we can actually implement the 3.5 percent commitment. But we must do this not only with high-cost and advanced technology systems, but also with low-cost capabilities.
Therefore, for me, NATO 3.0 means resilient society, resilient industry, and investment not only in very expensive systems but also in low-cost light unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-cost interceptor systems.
WE WILL NEED TURKEY AS THE US WITHDRAWS ITS CAPABILITIES Referring to Turkey's importance at this point, Eichelsheim noted: 'I think Turkey plays a very important role. It has already always played a very important role within the Alliance. Due to its geographical location, it is the guardian of the southeastern flank.'
Although it does this together with some of its partners, Turkey is the most important country in this region. Turkey has the second largest armed forces in the Alliance. As the US withdraws some of its capabilities, we will also need Turkey to fill these gaps. Therefore, Turkey's role within NATO will grow even further.
Here, I also saw that Turkey is very willing to take on this role not only in its own region but also in other regions of NATO. Turkey has played a very important role so far, and from now on this role will become even more important.
Eichelsheim stated that his bilateral contacts in Ankara were productive, and that they aim to increase the number of joint exercises with Turkey, improve information sharing on lessons learned from Ukraine, work together to make armies more ready for future wars, make greater mutual use of the facilities of defence academies, and thus raise the level of interoperability
he stressed. Eichelsheim touched on the special importance of cooperation in the defence industry, saying, 'I spent a day in Turkey with Turkish defence industry companies and I was really very impressed by the level of capability they demonstrated. I think there are also important cooperation opportunities in this area.'
