The Heads of State and Government of the North Atlantic Alliance, NATO, have reaffirmed “ironclad commitment” to their defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and to the transatlantic bond.
In the Ankara Summit Declaration issued on Wednesday after their meeting in Turkey, the leaders declared that “an attack on one is an attack on all.”
The statement noted that allies are delivering on The Hague defence obligation to counter “the long-term threat” Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, and the persistent threat of terrorism.
More than $50 billion in new procurements were announced in Ankara, in addition to the expansion of collective manufacturing capacity and working with industry to accelerate innovation.
This new funding builds on the over $139 billion raised by European allies and Canada in 2025 to increase their investments in core defence requirements.
“We are building a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO,” the declaration reads. “European Allies and Canada, working with the United States, are assuming greater responsibility for the Alliance’s defence.”
The leaders promised to continue to eliminate defence trade barriers among allies and leverage NATO’s partnerships to maximise defence industrial depth and cooperation.
NATO says that its deterrence and defence hinge on the right combination of nuclear, conventional, and missile defence capabilities, complemented by space and cyber assets.
The alliance acknowledged Ukraine’s contribution to transatlantic security, and reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
This year, NATO is providing €70 billion in military equipment, assistance, and training for Ukraine, with an assurance to sustain at least equivalent levels in 2027.
