NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska made important statements at the Defense Industry Forum as part of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit held in Ankara. Šekerinska announced initiatives in three critical areas, noting that allies have begun to effectively use increased defense spending through new projects and contracts.
Šekerinska described integrated air and missile defense systems as the alliance's front line of defense. Stating that they have repeatedly witnessed airspace violations by Russian unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft in recent months, Šekerinska said, 'Furthermore, NATO successfully intercepted ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards our ally Turkey. That is why we need more of such capabilities to ensure the security of us all.'
New step in space: Halo project
The NATO Deputy Secretary General stressed that space capabilities are part of critical infrastructure and are vital for security. 'Without space capabilities, our armies could not function normally today,' Šekerinska said, announcing that NATO has launched a feasibility project to create a satellite constellation called 'Halo'.
Šekerinska stated that this new model will open a new page in allies' space operations, overcoming the cost, timing and coverage constraints of individual countries. She said the project will provide significant advantages especially in high-speed communications, intelligence and missile tracking.
Šekerinska announced that Spain will join the 'Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space' (APSS) initiative launched two years ago at the Washington Summit as the 19th country, and recalled Turkey's plans to develop two new high-resolution satellites by the TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute.
'These satellites will be built in Turkey under the relevant contract,' Šekerinska said, adding that Turkey has signed contracts with ASELSAN for the development of low-orbit satellites and military communication systems, as well as the procurement and development of early warning systems within the scope of the 'Steel Dome' National Integrated Air Defense System.
Strike capabilities and Turkey's ATMACA commitment
Presenting NATO's projects in the field of strike capabilities, Šekerinska introduced the 'Land-Based High Precision Strike' project aimed at the large-scale development and procurement of low-cost cruise and ballistic missiles. She also noted that a munition prototype is being developed.
'Host country Turkey has also committed to procuring a significant amount of land-launched long-range ATMACA cruise missiles,' Šekerinska said, noting that these initiatives will significantly increase production volumes and equip the armed forces with everything needed to preserve security.
Šekerinska also mentioned the 'Starlift' initiative, envisaging a network of rocket launch companies and spaceports to put a backup satellite into orbit in emergencies.
The NATO Deputy Secretary General stated that allies have shown determination to bring new projects to life, saying, 'Our allies have begun to use additional defense spending effectively. They are doing so through an impressive series of announcements and contracts providing capabilities in a wide range of truly critical areas.' A collective contract signing ceremony took place after the presentation.
