NATO

NATO's secretary general called on Europe to increase its arms production to support Ukraine and prevent "potentially decades of confrontation" with Moscow, in an interview published by German media Saturday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel underscored the unity among parliamentary groups backing the government, emphasizing shared responsibility for Bulgaria's stability and progress.

Already high tensions between Russia and NATO have escalated in recent weeks after the military alliance announced the launch of its largest military exercise in 35 years. The exercise called 'Steadfast Defender 2024' launched at the end of January, will last until the end of May, and 90,000 soldiers from 31 NATO allies and Sweden will participate in it.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson discussed Sweden's NATO membership process, the fight against terrorism, bilateral relations, and regional and global issues in a phone call on Friday, the Communications Directorate said.

The Finnish Air Force has announced its participation in NATO's air defense mission over Bulgaria, Romania, and the Black Sea. Finland's Minister of Defense, Antti Heikkinen, revealed that next year, the country will contribute to NATO's peacetime missions with a Navy ship and a maximum of eight Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fighters.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström have discussed the upcoming meetings of the Türkiye-Sweden-Finland permanent anti-terror mechanism as well as the latter's accession process to NATO.

The US State Department has given Congress the necessary assurances regarding Greece's security in the Aegean and the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, Congressman John Sarbanes told Greek TV station Open on Wednesday.

NATO is increasing its military presence in the Atlantic and Arctic regions. This is the first phase of the major military exercise "Steadfast Defender 2024", which will last until mid-March. From mid-February to the end of May, military personnel from the Arctic and the Eastern Flank will also be trained. Nearly 90,000 military personnel are participating in the exercise.

US President Joe Biden has made official the quid pro quo for the deal struck for Turkey to lift its hold on Sweden's NATO membership. The White House sent letters to members of Congress urging that they approve a $20 billion sale of F-16s to Turkey.

The modernization process of Türkiye's existing fleet of F-16s will commence without delay, immediately after the 15-day period granted to the U.S. Congress for potential objections to the sale of fighter jets and upgrade kits, says U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland.