Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, large-scale defence deals worth tens of billions of dollars have been announced. The allies are increasing their defence spending in response to threats from Russia.
- NATO has announced defence deals worth tens of billions of dollars.
- Allies are investing more than 40 billion dollars in anti-drone systems.
- Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall will jointly manufacture ATACMS missiles in Germany.
- Ukraine is expected to receive support in the form of a €70 billion aid package in 2026.
- Mark Rutte called for the development of the defence industry to be accelerated.
Major NATO defence agreements
In the run-up to the NATO summit in Ankara, the Alliance’s member states announced new defence contracts worth tens of billions of dollars. These agreements are intended to demonstrate the European allies’ readiness to increase defence spending in response to the US President’s demands Donald Trump and by strengthening military capabilities NATO against the backdrop of threats from Russia.
Among the key agreements that were announced ahead of the summit are the purchase of reconnaissance drones from the American company Northrop Grumman, as well as new aircraft from the Swedish manufacturer Saab. The American company Lockheed Martin and the German company Rheinmetall have signed a preliminary agreement on the production of ATACMS ballistic missiles in Germany, marking the first time these missiles have been manufactured outside the US.
The allies plan to invest more than 40 billion dollars in the development of counter-drone systems over the next five years. These investments are a response to growing threats from Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.
Rise in defence spending
NATO Secretary General Mark Rütte During the defence forum in Ankara, he emphasised the need to accelerate the development of the defence industry. He noted:
“We don’t have the luxury of time. We need new capabilities right now.”.
In 2025, European NATO members and Canada increased their defence spending by approximately 90 billion dollars compared with the previous year, with total defence funding reaching over 570 billion dollars. This was in response to Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine and Donald Trump’s demands for an increase in European defence budgets.
Support for Ukraine and negotiations with Turkey
The summit is also expected to reaffirm long-term support for Ukraine. The allies intend to agree on a €70 billion aid package in 2026, as well as to continue military support and the development of joint defence programmes. Donald Trump plans to hold talks with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in particular to discuss the possibility of Turkey rejoining the F-35 fighter jet programme.
Why it matters
The Ankara Summit demonstrates a shift in NATO’s approach to European security. The Alliance is focusing on a large-scale rearmament programme, the development of its own defence industry and an increase in military investment, whilst continuing to support Ukraine as one of the key elements of European security.
