US Sixth Destroyer to Arrive at Spain's Rota Base as NATO Summit Highlights Defence Ties

Leaders of Spain and the United States met at the NATO summit in Ankara, where President Donald Trump first denounced and then praised Spain’s defence contributions. Spain’s government reiterated its commitment to spend 2 % of GDP on defence, with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares calling the country a “reliable NATO ally” and Defence Minister Margarita Robles stressing the need for long‑term planning of procurement.

Amid the summit, Spain’s prime minister and two ministers travelled to Ankara in separate military aircraft, a trip that cost more than €73 000 and generated over 148 tonnes of CO₂. The visits underscored Spain’s role in the alliance despite Trump’s criticism.

The United States confirmed that its sixth Arleigh Burke‑class destroyer will berth at the joint naval base in Rota, Cádiz, in autumn (expected in October). The ship will bring roughly 300 crew members and their families, raising the base’s US‑linked population to about 8 000. The deployment completes the NATO anti‑missile shield at Rota, adds an estimated €90 million per year to Navantia’s maintenance contract, and contributes roughly €700 million annually to the local economy.