Erdogan Gifts NATO Leaders Engraved Revolvers at Summit

• •Erdogan gifted NATO leaders vintage .357 Magnum revolvers at the July 2026 summit.
• •Leaders faced challenges due to strict gun laws, leading to varied responses regarding the gifts.
• •The gesture aimed to promote Turkey's defense industry amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

During the NATO summit in Ankara on July 10, 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented each leader with a vintage .357 Magnum revolver and live ammunition as a parting gift. The gesture aimed to showcase Turkey's defense industry, which has evolved into a significant exporter of military equipment. Many leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, faced logistical challenges due to strict gun laws in their countries, leading some to leave the gifts behind or donate them to museums. The revolvers, identified as the Gumusay .357 Magnum, were produced by Turkish arms manufacturer MKE. This unusual diplomatic move sparked discussions about gun control and defense policy among NATO members. The gifts were accompanied by a note waiving export controls, but leaders had to navigate their respective countries' regulations regarding firearm imports. The event highlighted Turkey's growing role in the defense sector and raised questions about the implications of such gifts in international diplomacy.