TURKEY — Canada and other NATO members have pledged more than $50 billion in new defence procurements as the alliance moves to expand military production, strengthen its industrial base and increase support for Ukraine.
Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization wrapped up meetings in Ankara by reaffirming their commitment to collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which considers an attack against one member an attack against all.
The leaders said Russia remains a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, while terrorism continues to pose a persistent threat to alliance members.
European NATO members and Canada increased spending on core defence requirements by more than $139 billion in 2025, according to a joint statement released following the meetings.
The alliance announced more than $50 billion in new defence procurements and committed to expanding manufacturing capacity, accelerating military innovation and reducing trade barriers between member countries.
NATO leaders said European members and Canada are assuming greater responsibility for the alliance’s defence while continuing to work with the United States.
The alliance plans to invest in deep precision strike capabilities, integrated air and missile defence, uncrewed systems, emerging technologies and intelligence capabilities.
NATO members are also developing an interoperable transatlantic military cloud computing network and adopting artificial intelligence models.
Support for Ukraine was another major focus of the meetings.
European NATO members and Canada now finance most security assistance provided to Ukraine through bilateral and multilateral programs.
Alliance members pledged 70 billion euros in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine in 2026 and committed to maintaining at least equivalent levels of support in 2027.
Leaders said long-term support for Ukraine must be equitable, predictable and sustainable, and welcomed a European Union decision to provide multi-year funding through the Ukraine Support Loan.
The alliance also addressed growing instability and security threats beyond Europe.
NATO leaders said Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon and called on the country to respect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The leaders thanked Turkey for hosting the meetings and said the alliance would continue adapting to strategic competition, hybrid threats and other challenges facing its members.
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