The 2026 NATO summit is underway in Ankara, bringing together leaders from the alliance's 32 member states, partner countries and the EU for two days of talks on defense, security and transatlantic cooperation.
Day one has been dominated by NATO’s push to expand defense production and industrial cooperation. Secretary General Mark Rutte announced a series of new multinational initiatives, including the NATO Front Door for Industry platform, the NATO Engine manufacturing network, a joint project on defense-critical raw materials, and NATO Drone Edge, under which allies will invest more than $40 billion in drone and counter-drone capabilities over the next five years.
Leaders are also focusing on increasing defense spending, accelerating military production, strengthening support for Ukraine, and addressing broader security challenges ranging from the Middle East to cyber threats and artificial intelligence.
