Nato members on Wednesday announced more than $50 billion in new defence and security spending commitments, as European allies attempt to show a sceptical US that they are committed to paying their way in the alliance.
Allies revealed the new commitments after a two-day summit in the Turkish capital Ankara, which has been characterized by US President Donald Trump’s criticism of European partners, and fears over a full resumption of the war in Iran following strikes in the Gulf.
Mr Trump also announced that Ukraine would be permitted to manufacture Patriot missiles to defend itself against Russia.
In a joint statement, Nato leaders stressed their "ironclad commitment to our collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and to the transatlantic bond", after a summit dominated by divisions in the 77-year-old alliance.
"Today in Ankara, we announce more than $50 billion in new procurements and commit to expanding collective manufacturing capacity and working with industry to accelerate innovation," the allies said in a declaration issued after the Ankara summit.
"We will continue our work to eliminate defence trade barriers among Allies and leverage NATO’s partnerships to maximise defence industrial depth and cooperation.
NATO members also pledged €70 billion ($80 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026 and "at least equivalent levels" of support in 2027, according to the declaration.
"For 2026, Allies pledge €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine and affirm their sovereign commitments to sustaining at least equivalent levels in 2027," they said.
"To this end, we welcome the European Union’s decision to provide multi-year funding to Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Loan."
They also stressed that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and called on Tehran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
"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," they said in a declaration issued by a summit in Ankara.
The alliance said it continued to adapt to growing strategic competition, instability and hybrid threats in the global security environment, stressing the need to protect key international waterways and maintain regional stability.
