Shqipëria Posted on 2026-07-07 13:24:00

Rutte presents three multinational defense projects - "Capacity expansion in air transport, intelligence and surveillance"

From Alida Lula

Rutte presents three multinational defense projects - "Capacity expansion

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced three new defense initiatives. At the NATO Defense Industry Forum, a two-day summit in Ankara, Rutte presented projects aimed at expanding Allied capabilities in airlift, intelligence and surveillance. The first initiative is a multinational modernization program focused on the Airbus A400M transport aircraft and the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet.

"Many allies are officially announcing the upcoming delivery of additional Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft. This is a step towards strengthening NATO's strategic airlift and refueling capabilities," Rutte said.

He also announced a joint procurement project for MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles to improve the Alliance's intelligence capabilities. Rutte's third announcement focused on replacing NATO's aging Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet.

NATO allies will jointly purchase up to 10 Swedish Saab GlobalEye surveillance aircraft to replace the Alliance's aging American-made Boeing E-3A Sentry AWACS aircraft.

The NATO summit wraps up on Wednesday, as allied leaders discuss defense investment, military support for Ukraine and efforts to expand the Alliance's defense industrial base.

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