Turkiye has committed to acquiring a substantial number of ground-launched long-range Atmaca cruise missiles, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska said Tuesday, as allies move to boost ‘defense’ production and enhance long-range strike capabilities.

Speaking at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum, held alongside the 36th NATO Leaders Summit in Ankara, Shekerinska said six allied countries had also joined a multinational initiative to develop and procure low-cost ground-launched cruise missiles on a large scale.

She added that, combined with ongoing 155 mm ammunition projects, the initiatives are now valued at around $1.6 billion.

The announcement came as NATO leaders convened in the Turkish capital for the 7–8 July summit, where expanding ‘defense’ industrial capacity, increasing ammunition production, strengthening deterrence, and supporting Ukraine are among the key priorities.