politics
NATO to Hold 2026 Summit in Ankara as Allies Push 5% Defence Spending Target
The alliance will convene heads of state at the Beştepe Presidential Complex to review progress on 5% GDP defence targets and Ukraine support. A related industry forum opens on 7 July.
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NATO will hold its 2026 summit in Ankara, Türkiye, at the Beştepe Presidential Complex. The meeting will review progress since the 2025 summit in The Hague and set priorities for defence investment and Ukraine assistance. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on 22 May 2026 that the task ahead is to turn Allied commitments into concrete results through increased investment, industrial production and continued support for Ukraine.
In 2025, European Allies and Canada raised core defence investment by USD 139 billion in nominal terms after committing to spend 5% of GDP on defence. Some Allies are expected to reach the 5% target in 2026. The NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum will open on 7 July 2026 in Ankara.
It will gather senior officials, industry leaders and partners to discuss progress on the 5% investment plan and steps to raise defence production, cooperation and joint procurement. Rutte said there is no strong defence without a strong defence industry. Allies will also address sustained military assistance to Ukraine to meet urgent defensive needs.
This will be the second NATO summit hosted by Türkiye. The first took place in Istanbul in 2004 and was attended by leaders from 26 Allies shortly after the accession of seven new members.
