NATO summit in Ankara pledges higher defence spending and US commitment

The 36th NATO summit was held in Ankara, Turkey, on 7‑8 July 2026. President Donald Trump attended and affirmed that the United States will remain in the alliance, calling the meeting a success. NATO members agreed to boost defence budgets toward a collective target of 5 % of GDP by 2035; combined spending is already about 4 % of GDP, with the alliance adding roughly $139 billion in 2025 and announcing over $50 billion of new contracts in a single day. The summit highlighted a $40‑billion "NATO Drone Edge" programme and reinforced support for Ukraine, including long‑term military assistance and the prospect of allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles. Canada and several European states, notably France, Italy and Belgium, pledged increased contributions, while the alliance reiterated its commitment to collective security amid the ongoing Russia‑Ukraine war.