"We do not like at all the protectionist language that has often been used in European defense efforts, something that would exclude allies," said US NATO Ambassador Matt Whitaker in a meeting with journalists ahead of the Ankara meeting, referring primarily to the disadvantage of the American and Turkish defense industries.
Whitaker said it could be an issue at the summit and that there is hope for agreement on something.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has been pushing for increased defense budgets among European NATO members, and the Americans have made it clear that they intend to keep the pressure up. Europeans are spending enormous sums on buying American goods, partly for themselves and partly for onward delivery to Ukraine, while waiting for European industry to gain momentum, capability, and capacity.
Swedes on site
In that context, NATO's Defense Industry Forum has become part of the summit programme for the first time. Many Swedish companies feel invited and perhaps some of the, according to the programme, "major announcements" involve contracts or agreements with Swedish interests.
Last week, the Reuters news agency reported that Saab may be in the running for a deal with NATO regarding the Globaleye reconnaissance plane.
Stands out
On site in Ankara are, among others, Saab, Bae Systems Bofors, SSC, Papershell, GKN and Mildef.
Sweden stands out by having a large, broad defense industry, says Zebulon Carlander, policy strategist at the Swedish defense industry's interest group, Soff, about the industry's position compared with most other NATO members, with the exception of the USA.
Carlander is also Sweden's representative on the NATO Industry Council. He says the forum in Ankara is evidence that NATO wants to signal the importance of the defense industry, not only for the need for increased production in Europe but also for it to become part of deterrence against external threats, not least Russia.
And it goes without saying that Swedish companies are present in Ankara, according to Carlander.
It is very important to be involved. Industry is an important part of our contribution to the meeting.
