Ankara: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure over the United Kingdom’s defence spending plans as NATO leaders gather in Ankara for talks focused on military investment, weapons production and the future security of Europe.
The warning has come from former NATO Secretary General George Robertson, who said the British government could receive a frosty welcome from some allies because it has not yet provided a clear plan for reaching the alliance’s defence spending targets. Robertson, who was closely involved in Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, said the international security situation had changed faster than many governments expected.
His comments come at a difficult time for Britain, which remains one of NATO’s strongest military powers but is under pressure to explain how it will pay for future defence commitments. The government has promised billions of pounds for military modernisation, but questions remain about when Britain will reach the target of spending 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product on core defence.
NATO members have agreed to work towards a broader target that includes 3.5 percent of GDP for direct military needs and another 1.5 percent for wider security related investment. This additional spending could include areas such as infrastructure, cyber security and measures to improve the ability of countries to respond to military threats.
Robertson has argued that Britain needs to move faster because the threat facing Europe is more serious than it was when the country’s defence plans were first prepared. He said the government must provide greater clarity for the armed forces and defence companies, which need long term information before investing in new factories, workers and military equipment.
The British government has announced a £15 billion investment package aimed at strengthening military capabilities and supporting modernisation. However, critics say the government has still not explained clearly when it will reach the higher NATO spending goal.
The debate over Britain’s defence plans comes as NATO leaders use the Ankara summit to show that European countries are increasing their contribution to collective security. Major arms and equipment agreements are expected to be an important part of the gathering, with alliance members seeking new surveillance aircraft, transport and refuelling planes, drones and other advanced military systems.
The summit is also taking place at a time of changing relations between Europe and the United States. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded that European NATO members spend more on their own defence. His position has increased pressure on European governments to strengthen their armed forces and reduce their dependence on American military support.
European leaders are trying to show Washington that they are serious about increasing defence spending and military production. However, reaching ambitious spending targets remains politically difficult for many governments because of pressure on public finances and demands for spending on health, education and other public services.
Türkiye is also playing an important role in the summit as the host country and a major military power within the alliance. One of the issues attracting attention is Ankara’s long running effort to return to the F 35 fighter aircraft programme.
Türkiye was removed from the programme after purchasing the Russian S 400 air defence system. The United States argued that the Russian system created security risks for the advanced fighter aircraft. Ankara has continued to seek a solution to the dispute, and recent signals from Washington have raised fresh discussion about whether Türkiye could eventually regain access to the programme.
For Britain, the Ankara meeting is likely to increase demands for a clear defence funding timetable. The country has a major role in European security, including its nuclear deterrent, advanced air and naval forces and support for Ukraine. However, allies increasingly want clear financial commitments and faster military production.
The wider question facing NATO is whether members can turn spending promises into real military strength. Announcing larger budgets is only the first step. Countries must also recruit and retain military personnel, expand weapons production, improve infrastructure and make sure that equipment can be delivered quickly when needed.
As leaders continue their discussions in Ankara, Britain’s defence plans will remain under close examination. Starmer will be expected to reassure allies that the United Kingdom remains committed to NATO and is prepared to invest enough money to meet the growing security challenges facing Europe.
The summit is therefore about more than figures and spending targets. It is a test of whether NATO countries can strengthen their military capabilities, maintain unity with the United States and prepare for a security environment that European leaders increasingly describe as dangerous and uncertain.