Leaders of NATO’s 32 member states will gather on July 7–8, 2026, at the Presidential Complex in Beştepe, Ankara, for a summit expected to play a key role in shaping the alliance’s future amid rising global security tensions.
This marks the second time Turkey has hosted a NATO Summit, following the 2004 meeting in Istanbul. The summit comes at a time when the war in Ukraine continues, instability persists in the Middle East, and allies are increasingly urging Europe to take on a greater role in ensuring its own security.
According to NATO, discussions will focus on strengthening collective defense, implementing a historic plan to increase defense investment to 5% of GDP, and turning these commitments into expanded military production, industrial cooperation, and joint procurement among member states.
Another key topic will be long-term support for Ukraine, which NATO views as directly linked to the alliance’s own security. Defense planning, military spending targets, and burden-sharing among member countries are also expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
In addition to the leaders’ meeting, the Defense Industry Forum will be held on July 7, bringing together government representatives, NATO officials, and defense companies to discuss investment, innovation, and expanding production capacity. The forum’s motto is: “There is no strong defense without a strong defense industry.”
The Ankara summit is expected to serve as a demonstration of allied unity in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges and to define NATO’s defense and security priorities for the years ahead.
