From defense spending to Ukraine and Iran/ NATO countries' joint statement revealed

2026-07-08 15:08:00, Aktualitet CNA

From defense spending to Ukraine and Iran/ NATO countries' joint statement

The heads of state and government of NATO member countries have adopted the joint declaration of the Ankara Summit, reaffirming their commitment to collective defense and strengthening the transatlantic bond.

The statement emphasizes that an attack on one ally is considered an attack on the entire Alliance, while unity, solidarity and collective strength remain the foundation of peace and security for member countries. NATO leaders assessed that Russia continues to pose a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security, while terrorism remains a constant challenge.

The summit announced over $50 billion in new military procurement and a commitment to expand joint manufacturing capabilities, accelerate innovation, and eliminate barriers to trade in defense equipment between allied countries.

NATO reaffirms its commitment to building a stronger and more modern Alliance by investing in advanced military capabilities, including air and missile defense, unmanned systems, modern technologies, artificial intelligence, and cyber and space capabilities. By 2026, member states pledge to provide 70 billion euros in military equipment, assistance and training to Ukraine, and commit to maintaining at least the same level of support through 2027.

NATO Allies also reiterated that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons and called on Tehran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. At the end of the summit, Alliance leaders expressed gratitude for Turkey's hospitality and confirmed that they look forward to the next NATO meeting.

FULL DECLARATION

We, the Heads of State and Government of the North Atlantic Alliance, have gathered in Ankara to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our collective defense under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and to the transatlantic bond. An attack on one is an attack on all. Our unity, solidarity and collective strength remain the foundation of peace, security and prosperity for one billion citizens of our Alliance of free and democratic nations. We remain committed to our 360-degree approach to deterrence and defense.

To counter the long-term threat that Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, as well as the persistent threat of terrorism, Allies are implementing the commitment to defense agreed at The Hague. Through 2025, European Allies and Canada increased their investments in core defense needs by more than $139 billion. Our investments are providing the capabilities we need, while strengthening our industrial base and resilience.

Today in Ankara, we announce more than $50 billion in new procurement and commit to expanding joint manufacturing capacity, as well as working with industry to accelerate innovation. We will continue to work to eliminate barriers to trade in defense equipment among Allies and to leverage NATO partnerships to maximize defense industrial capacity and cooperation.

We are building the future: a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO – a modernized Alliance. European Allies and Canada, working together with the United States, are taking greater responsibility for the Alliance’s defense. NATO’s deterrence and defense rely on an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities, complemented by space and cyber assets. We are committed to maintaining our military superiority. We are investing in the ability to deploy, sustain, and sustain our armed forces, and to meet our capability objectives in all areas, including precision strikes in depth, integrated air and missile defense, unmanned systems, cutting-edge technologies, and intelligence capabilities. We are developing an interoperable transatlantic platform for military operations, and adopting advanced artificial intelligence models.

Ukraine contributes to transatlantic security, and Allies stand united in their unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. European Allies and Canada already fund the vast majority of security assistance to Ukraine through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. Allies emphasize that this support must be equitable, predictable, and sustainable over the long term.

For 2026, Allies pledge to provide €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training to Ukraine and confirm their sovereign commitments to maintain at least the same level of support in 2027. To this end, we welcome the European Union's decision to provide Ukraine with multi-year financing through the Ukraine Support Loan.

The Alliance continues to respond and adapt to the strategic competition, widespread instability, hybrid threats, and repeated attacks that characterize our broader security environment. Allies reiterate that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons and call on Iran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. We express our gratitude for the generous hospitality offered by Turkey. We look forward to our next meeting. /CNA