Ankara Summit Declaration: NATO allies pledge billions in defence spending, reaffirm support for Ukraine and collective security
ANKARA: Leaders of NATO member states have adopted the Ankara Summit Declaration, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to the Alliance’s collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty while announcing major increases in defence spending, expanded military cooperation and long-term support for Ukraine.
The declaration, issued at the conclusion of the NATO summit in Ankara, underscored that the Alliance remains united in safeguarding the security of its one billion citizens, declaring that “an attack on one is an attack on all.” Allied leaders reiterated that unity, solidarity and collective strength remain the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity across the transatlantic region.
Allies reaffirm commitment to collective defence
The heads of state and government stressed that NATO remains fully committed to a comprehensive 360-degree approach to deterrence and defence in response to evolving global security challenges.
The declaration identified Russia as the principal long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and stability while also recognising terrorism as a persistent danger requiring sustained international cooperation.
Defence spending rises sharply
NATO leaders announced that European allies and Canada increased investment in core defence requirements by more than $139 billion during 2025, describing the additional spending as a major step towards strengthening military readiness and resilience.
Building on that commitment, the Alliance unveiled plans for more than $50 billion in new defence procurements, alongside measures to expand collective defence manufacturing capacity and accelerate technological innovation in cooperation with the private sector.
The declaration also pledged continued efforts to remove defence trade barriers among member states and deepen industrial cooperation through NATO partnerships to improve defence production capabilities.
Building a stronger and modernised Alliance
The summit declaration highlighted NATO’s vision of creating “a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO,” with European allies and Canada assuming greater responsibility for the Alliance’s collective defence in close coordination with the United States.
Leaders reaffirmed that NATO’s deterrence posture would continue to rely on a balanced mix of nuclear, conventional and missile defence capabilities, supported by advanced space and cyber assets.
The Alliance also committed to maintaining its technological and military edge by investing in strategic capabilities, including long-range precision strike systems, integrated air and missile defence, uncrewed platforms, advanced intelligence capabilities and next-generation military technologies.
Among the key initiatives announced were plans to develop an interoperable transatlantic warfighting cloud and adopt advanced artificial intelligence models to strengthen operational effectiveness across allied forces.
Long-term military support for Ukraine
The declaration reaffirmed NATO’s united support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, describing the country as an important contributor to transatlantic security.
Leaders noted that European allies and Canada now provide the majority of military assistance to Ukraine through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
To ensure sustained support, NATO members pledged €70 billion in military equipment, training and security assistance for Ukraine in 2026 while committing to maintain at least equivalent levels of support in 2027.
The Alliance also welcomed the European Union’s decision to establish multi-year financial assistance for Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Loan, describing it as an important step towards ensuring predictable and sustainable long-term support.
Addressing broader security challenges
The Ankara Summit Declaration stated that NATO will continue adapting to an increasingly complex global security environment marked by strategic competition, regional instability, hybrid threats and recurring crises.
On Iran, allied leaders reiterated that Tehran “must never possess a nuclear weapon” and called on Iran to fully respect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.
Appreciation to Türkiye
Concluding the declaration, NATO leaders expressed gratitude to Türkiye for hosting the summit and thanked the Turkish government for its hospitality.
The Alliance said it looked forward to its next summit while reaffirming its commitment to preserving peace, strengthening collective defence and enhancing security across the Euro-Atlantic region.
