Turkey is undertaking sweeping security preparations for the upcoming NATO summit, deploying tens of thousands of police, placing air defenses on high alert, and banning public gatherings. These measures aim to secure the July 7-8 summit in Ankara, while also projecting an image of strength and Turkey's dedication to the alliance.
Leaders from all 32 NATO member states, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to attend. Trump's previous statements about potentially withdrawing from NATO and reducing U.S. troop levels have introduced uncertainty about the alliance's future, making this summit particularly significant for addressing defense spending and the evolving U.S. role.
Ankara has also unveiled a new VIP airport, converted from a former military airfield, specifically for the summit. The main agenda will focus on fostering unity among allies, particularly in light of Trump's criticisms regarding support for U.S.-led initiatives.
"The important aspect of the meeting is to what extent the rift between the United States and Europe can be healed or narrowed during the summit," said Fatih Ceylan, a former Turkish ambassador to NATO and security analyst at the Ankara Policy Center. "We should not expect miracles, but nonetheless if there is a convergence of ideas emphasizing the importance of NATO, that should be seen as a success."
Turkey's role as host appears to have secured President Trump's attendance, with whom Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has a reported rapport. Trump stated that he "don’t think I would have gone to it" if not for the summit being held in Turkey.
Erdogan has emphasized Turkey's position as a reliable ally, highlighting its consistent responsibility on NATO's southeastern flank and its intention to remain a leading member. He expressed his hope that the Ankara Summit will "stand as a reference point in NATO's history."
As a NATO member since 1952, Turkey possesses the alliance's second-largest army and a growing defense industry. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, the Black Sea, and the Caucasus further enhances its importance.
Despite its contributions, Turkey has at times pursued independent policies, such as not participating in sanctions against Russia, engaging in disputes with Greece, and acquiring Russian missile defense systems, which led to its expulsion from the F-35 program. The country also delayed Finland and Sweden's NATO membership until it received concessions on counter-terrorism cooperation and the lifting of arms export restrictions.
However, Turkey's independent approach has also allowed it to act as a mediator, notably brokering a deal for Ukrainian and Russian grain exports in 2022 and supporting initiatives to end the conflict in Iran. Conversely, Ankara has expressed frustration with allies, particularly regarding perceived a lack of solidarity during a 2016 coup attempt and arms sales restrictions following its intervention in Syria.
Murat Aslan, an analyst at the Ankara-based SETA think tank, suggested that Turkey has learned to "play it alone" due to complex relations with the U.S. and Europe, observing that Europe is now also discussing "strategic autonomy" from the U.S. He believes Turkey can help NATO navigate U.S.-Europe tensions by demonstrating how to balance independence with alliance commitments.
More recently, Turkey has strengthened ties with NATO, an importance underscored during the Iran war when alliance missile defenses intercepted missiles launched into Turkish territory. Italy and Germany deployed air defense systems to Turkey in the weeks preceding the summit.
"Turkey wishes to distinguish itself as a foreign policy actor that is independent of NATO and the West," wrote Hamish Kinnear, principal Middle East and North Africa analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. "While Turkey is not abandoning its balancing approach, it is tilting closer to the West, primarily because of NATO."
In Ankara, strict access restrictions will affect major roads, airports, the presidential complex, and hotels hosting delegations, causing significant disruption in the city of nearly 6 million. Authorities have also banned demonstrations, concerts, and graduation ceremonies during the summit, and placed non-essential state employees on leave to mitigate congestion.
Security units have detained over 200 individuals suspected of links to extremist groups, including the Islamic State group. Media reports indicated that some activists, lawyers, and an academic were among those detained. A Turkish court has also blocked access to websites critical of NATO and the summit on security and public order grounds, according to Engelli Web. Additionally, several journalists from opposition-leaning media organizations were denied accreditation to cover the summit, drawing criticism from media rights groups.
"In the history of the organization, we have never witnessed security measures as stringent and suffocating in a host city for a summit as we are seeing this time in Ankara," wrote Namik Tan, a former Turkish ambassador and legislator.