North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states announced defence contracts worth billions of dollars on Tuesday as leaders gathered in Ankara for the alliance’s annual summit, amid renewed pressure from Donald Trump for European allies to increase their security commitments.

The two-day summit at the Turkish presidential palace comes one year after NATO members agreed to raise defence-related spending to five per cent of their gross domestic product, a target strongly championed by Trump.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said European allies were making progress by increasing military budgets and assuming greater responsibility for the continent’s defence, particularly in response to continued security concerns linked to Russia.

Ahead of the main summit, NATO officials announced several defence agreements covering drones, aerial refuelling capabilities and surveillance aircraft, describing the investments as measures aimed at strengthening the alliance’s collective security while supporting economic growth and job creation.

The announcements also come against the backdrop of growing tensions between Washington and several European allies following disagreements over the conflict involving Iran, with Trump recently criticising European governments for what he described as an inadequate level of support for the United States.

European leaders are expected to use the summit to reassure the US president of their commitment to the alliance and avoid further strains that could undermine NATO’s unity.

Diplomats are also hopeful that Trump’s relationship with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts by Rutte, will help ensure a smooth summit despite recent disagreements between the US leader and several European counterparts.

(Photo Credit: SF Gate)