Ankara is stepping up security ahead of the NATO summit: 40,000 security personnel will be deployed

Turkey is preparing unprecedented security measures ahead of the NATO summit, which will take place in Ankara on July 7–8. More than 40,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed to secure the event.

According to sources, the authorities will activate short- and medium-range missile defense systems, and F-16 fighter jets will be placed on high alert. Drones and anti-drone systems will also be deployed around the capital.

In addition, Turkey has spent over $230 million on modernizing the military airfield in Ankara, which will host the aircraft of heads of state and government from NATO member countries.

To ensure security, international flights to Esenboğa Airport will be partially restricted, and a ban on demonstrations is planned in Ankara from July 1 to 15.

The authorities also intend to declare a three-day administrative holiday during the summit to reduce traffic congestion in the city. About 100 new surveillance cameras will be installed at key intersections, in addition to the more than 30,000 cameras already in operation in the capital.

Source: Bloomberg