Leaders of NATO’s 32 member nations will gather in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday for a summit expected to focus on defence spending, support for Ukraine, military production and growing security challenges across Europe and the Middle East.

The meeting comes at a time of renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly urged European allies to take greater responsibility for the continent’s security. His administration’s decision to review the US military presence in Europe and plans to reduce troop deployments have added urgency to the discussions.

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Defence spending takes centre stage

One of the summit’s key themes will be progress towards NATO’s long-term defence spending commitments. European allies are expected to assure Washington that they remain committed to increasing defence investment.

According to a draft summit declaration seen by Reuters, leaders are expected to state, “In 2025, European Allies and Canada increased their investments in core defence requirements by ​more than $139bn.”

The declaration is also expected to say, “We are building the future: a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO – a modernised Alliance. European Allies and Canada, working with the United States, are assuming greater responsibility for the Alliance’s defence.”

Ukraine and defence industry in focus

The alliance is also expected to reaffirm military support for Ukraine.

“For 2026, Allies pledge €70bn in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine and affirm their sovereign ​commitments to sustaining at least equivalent levels in 2027,” leaders are expected to announce.

Alongside political discussions, Ankara will host a NATO defence industry forum where major defence agreements worth tens of billions of dollars are expected to be unveiled. Expanding weapons production and encouraging defence innovation are likely to dominate these discussions.

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Iran, Turkey’s priorities and key participants

Iran is also expected to feature prominently on the agenda as tensions in the region continue. NATO leaders are expected to reiterate that “allies reiterate that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon and call on Iran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”, Reuters reported.

Host nation Turkey will use the summit to showcase its growing defence industry and push for fewer restrictions on defence trade within the alliance. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also expected to discuss sanctions, defence cooperation and the F-35 fighter jet programme during bilateral talks with Trump.

Besides NATO leaders, the summit will bring together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, senior European Union leaders and ministers from several Indo-Pacific and Gulf countries, reflecting the alliance’s expanding global security engagement.

FAQs:

What are the main issues at the NATO Ankara summit?

Leaders are expected to discuss defence spending, Ukraine, Iran, military production and European security.

Which leaders are attending the NATO Ankara summit?

Leaders of all 32 NATO member states, including Donald Trump, along with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior EU officials, are expected to attend.