Erdogan: Turkey to continue to lead with KFOR

In his speech after the summit ended, the Turkish head of state also cited his country's contribution to KFOR.

We will continue command of NATO Operation KFOR in Kosovo, which we received in October, until the end of September 2026. We will command the alliance's reactional force on 2028-2029”, the Turkish president said.

Stressing Turkey's role within NATO, he said the country is in charge of the alliance's second largest ground force and has long served as a security cornerstone in NATO's southeastern arm.

We currently command NATO's second largest land army. For decades, the security of NATO's southeastern wing has been largely entrusted to our country”, he said.

Erdogan said Turkey remains one of the main contributors to NATO's operations, missions and joint financing, adding that Turkish fighter F-16 planes will be deployed in Estonia starting in August as part of the NATO Air Police mission.

As for the summit itself, the Turkish president described it as successful.

“E have successfully concluded the NATO Summit, which we have been waiting for in our country for the second time in 22 years and for the first time in our capital, Ankara”, Erdogan said at a media conference after the summit ended, Anadolu reported.

He said the meeting took place at a critical moment for Euro-Atlantic security and will be of long-term importance to the Alliance.

This historic summit, which we organised at a time when Euro-Atlantic security is being tested, has developed in a way that will shape our common future”, he said.

Erdogan also stressed Turkey's military and defence industry capacities, saying the country is ahead of many NATO allies in key areas.

“Today, in terms of defence spending, military capacities and defence industry supporting them, we are well ahead of many allies”, the Turkish president said. /Periscope