Erdoğan Sets NATO Summit Agenda on Return Flight — Turkey

Erdoğan's return flight sets a defence and diplomatic agenda for NATO summit week

On his Friday return flight from Kazakhstan, Erdoğan said Israel's provocations must be neutralised before genuine Middle East peace can be built, framed the upcoming NATO Ankara summit as a decision point on the alliance, reaffirmed Türkiye's EU bid against the bloc's "openly discriminatory" practices and said F-35 talks were continuing. TAI began a naval HÜRJET variant for the MUGEM carrier; MIT dismantled a foreign-state spy network; and NATO's Rutte will meet European defence-industry CEOs before the Ankara summit.

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Erdoğan ties Iran de-escalation to neutralising Israeli provocations, presses NATO Ankara summit and EU bid on return from Turkic States summit

On the Friday return flight from his Astana and Turkistan visit, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told reporters that "Israel's provocations must be neutralised, and then genuine peace must be built," framing the US-Israeli campaign against Iran as the main driver of the regional crisis and warning that Tel Aviv seeks to expand the war across the Middle East. He set out expectations for major alliance and security-architecture decisions at the forthcoming NATO summit in Ankara, reaffirmed Türkiye's EU membership goal against what he called the bloc's "ambivalent" and "openly discriminatory" practices, and said F-35 talks with Washington are continuing. Erdoğan also flagged the new Declaration on Eternal Friendship and Expanded Strategic Partnership with Kazakhstan, the Turkistan Declaration signed at the informal Organization of Turkic States summit, and Türkiye's defence trajectory, including the indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter and the SAHA 2026 fair in Istanbul that drew more than 150,000 visitors and $8 billion in business volume.

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Turkey begins development of naval variant of HÜRJET jet trainer for MUGEM aircraft carrier

Turkey has officially started work on a shipborne variant of the HÜRJET supersonic jet trainer and light attack aircraft, according to a May 15 report by TRT Haber. The naval version will feature strengthened landing gear, an arresting hook, and corrosion protection for carrier operations. The variant is intended for the future MUGEM aircraft carrier, whose planned air wing also includes the KIZILELMA unmanned jet and the TB-3 UCAV.

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NATO chief Rutte to meet European defense CEOs to accelerate arms production ahead of Ankara summit

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will hold a summit with the chief executives of Europe’s leading defense corporations next week in Brussels to accelerate arms production. The meeting, which includes Rheinmetall, Safran, Airbus, Saab, MBDA, and Leonardo, aims to finalize procurement packages before the July NATO summit in Ankara. The push follows US President Donald Trump's criticism of NATO and his demand that allies raise defense spending to 5% of GDP.

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Turkish intelligence dismantles spy network collecting sensitive data on civil society and officials

Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) dismantled an international espionage network accused of collecting sensitive information on Turkish civil society, ethnic groups and public officials for foreign intelligence services, security sources said Saturday. Nine individuals linked to two foreign intelligence services were identified, and seven suspects, including alleged network leader B.E., were detained in coordinated raids across four provinces. Two additional suspects were already in custody on unrelated charges.

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Turkey expands military footprint in Somalia amid election dispute and Israeli rivalry

Turkey has significantly increased its economic and military presence in Somalia, deploying F16 jets and tanks to its largest overseas military base, while building a space port and signing energy exploration agreements. The deepening partnership faces scrutiny over alleged interference in Somali politics, as Israel challenges Turkey by recognizing Somaliland and considering a military presence there, raising risks of regional destabilization.

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Istanbul to host second Istanbul Natural Resources Summit (INRES 2026) on May 22

Türkiye will host the second Istanbul Natural Resources Summit (INRES 2026) on May 22, 2026, at the Lütfi Kırdar Congress Center, under the auspices of the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to open the summit, and Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar will host delegations. The summit will focus on energy security, investment, and global cooperation amid rising tensions, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Participants include ministers, investors, and officials from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Bilateral meetings and agreements are anticipated.

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Frequently Asked

What did Erdoğan say about Israel on his return flight?

Erdoğan said Israel's 'endless provocations' are the principal driver of the regional crisis and warned that Tel Aviv seeks to expand the war across the Middle East.

What agreements were signed during Erdoğan's Kazakhstan visit?

Erdoğan and President Tokayev signed a Declaration on Eternal Friendship and Expanded Strategic Partnership, along with 12 sectoral agreements.

What is the status of Turkey's F-35 talks?

Erdoğan said F-35 talks are continuing with American counterparts, and he hopes for a positive outcome.

What did Erdoğan say about Turkey's EU membership?

Erdoğan said Turkey remains committed to full EU membership despite what he called the bloc's 'ambivalent' and 'openly discriminatory' practices.

What defence-industry development was announced?

Turkish Aerospace Industries confirmed development of a naval HÜRJET jet-trainer variant for the indigenous MUGEM aircraft carrier.