The NATO Summit in Ankara concluded on Wednesday (8 July 2026). Secretary General Mark Rutte said the message from Ankara was clear: NATO delivers. He explained how defence investment was rising, new capabilities are being delivered, defence industrial production is expanding, and that European Allies and Canada are assuming greater responsibility for their security. “We are rebalancing our security for the better, and that is what NATO 3.0 is all about,” he said.
The Secretary General highlighted the significant progress already made towards investing 5% of GDP in defence by 2035, with total defence and security spending already measuring around 4% just one year into the 10-year effort. “Our focus has now shifted decisively from setting targets to delivering results,” Mr Rutte said. “That means accelerating production, breaking down barriers, boosting resilience, investing in innovation, and working with partners to maximise cooperation.”
The Summit underlined the growing importance of working with industry in strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence. At the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum, governments and industry announced major new commitments, including over EUR 50 billion in new procurement deals. Allies also launched NATO’s Drone Edge, a major new initiative that will see USD 40 billion invested in counter uncrewed systems over the next five years.
Mr Rutte also announced a historic step to enhance NATO’s fuel supply chain, helping ensure Allied forces have the energy supplies they need for warfighting readiness. “We know that this 27-billion-euro investment will modernise our existing fuel storage and distribution infrastructure and support new facilities including pipelines towards the eastern part of the Alliance,” he said.
Allies also reaffirmed NATO’s unwavering support for Ukraine, pledging to provide at least EUR 70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine this year and again next year. The Secretary General said NATO will continue to ensure Ukraine gets what it needs as Russia continues to wage its brutal war.
The Secretary General highlighted Alliance unity. “Here in Ankara, Allies reaffirmed their ironclad commitment to the collective defence under Article 5, that an attack on one is an attack on all, and we will stand together,” said Mr Rutte, “Our unity, solidarity, and collective strength remain the foundation of peace, security, and prosperity.”
source:commonspace.eu with NATO (Brussels)
