NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska addressed the Defense Industry Forum held as part of the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ankara. Šekerinska stated that allies have begun effectively using additional defense spending through new projects and contracts, and announced initiatives in three critical areas.
Space and Observation Projects
Šekerinska emphasized that space capabilities are part of critical infrastructure and are vital for security. "Without space capabilities, our armies could not operate normally today. Space technologies have become more accessible, but launch costs have increased significantly. As a result, more and more countries are investing in their own satellite networks," she said.
Šekerinska announced that NATO has launched a feasibility project to create a satellite constellation called "Halo," saying, "This opens a new chapter in allies' space operations. This new model will overcome the cost, scheduling, and coverage constraints of individual countries and provide significant advantages, particularly in high-speed communications, intelligence, and missile tracking."
Šekerinska also announced that Spain would join the "Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space" (APSS) initiative, launched two years ago at the Washington Summit, as the 19th country. She also recalled Türkiye's plans to develop two new high-resolution satellites by the TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Institute. "These satellites will be built in Türkiye under the relevant contract. Türkiye has also signed contracts with ASELSAN for the development of low-orbit satellites and military communication systems, as well as the procurement and development of early warning systems under the 'Steel Dome' National Integrated Air Defense System," she said.
Šekerinska also mentioned the "Starlift" initiative, which envisions creating a network of rocket launch companies and spaceports to put a backup satellite into orbit in emergencies.
Strike Capabilities
Introducing NATO's projects in strike capabilities, Šekerinska presented the "Land-Based High Precision Strike" project, which aims at the large-scale development and procurement of low-cost cruise and ballistic missiles. She also noted that a munitions prototype has been developed.
"The host country Türkiye has also committed to procuring a significant number of land-launched, long-range ATMACA cruise missiles," Šekerinska said, adding that these initiatives will greatly increase production volumes and equip the armed forces with everything necessary for maintaining security.
Integrated Air and Missile Defense
Describing integrated air and missile defense systems as the "forward defense line of the alliance," Šekerinska said that in recent months they have repeatedly witnessed airspace violations by Russian drones and aircraft. "Moreover, NATO successfully intercepted ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward our ally Türkiye. Therefore, we need more such capabilities to ensure the security of all of us," she said.
Šekerinska stressed that resources must be pooled and the latest technologies jointly integrated to develop these capabilities faster and more effectively. "All of this is necessary to protect our airspace and maintain the credibility of our deterrence and defense capabilities," she stated.
NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska noted that allies have demonstrated their determination to implement new projects, saying, "Our allies have begun to effectively use additional defense spending. They are doing this through an impressive array of announcements and contracts that deliver capabilities in a very wide range of truly critical areas." A collective contract signing ceremony took place after the presentation.
