NATO leaders on Wednesday reaffirmed their "ironclad commitment" to collective defense, declaring that "an attack on one is an attack on all" as they concluded the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in Ankara with the adoption of the Ankara Summit Declaration.

The declaration underscored the Alliance's continued commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, describing unity, solidarity and collective strength as the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity for the one billion citizens of NATO member states.

"We remain committed to our 360-degree approach to deterrence and defence," the leaders said, reaffirming the transatlantic bond amid an increasingly complex global security environment.

The declaration emphasized that NATO allies are expanding defense investments to counter what they described as the long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security, while also addressing the persistent threat of terrorism.

According to the statement, European allies and Canada increased their investments in core defense requirements by more than $139 billion in 2025. Leaders also announced more than $50 billion in new defense procurements, alongside commitments to expand collective defense manufacturing capacity, accelerate technological innovation and remove barriers to defense trade among allied nations.

NATO leaders pledged to continue modernizing the Alliance by investing in advanced military capabilities across all operational domains. These include integrated air and missile defense systems, long-range precision strike capabilities, uncrewed platforms, artificial intelligence, intelligence-sharing and cyber and space assets.

The declaration also highlighted plans to develop an interoperable transatlantic warfighting cloud and adopt advanced artificial intelligence models to strengthen NATO's operational effectiveness.

On Ukraine, allied leaders reiterated their unwavering support for Kyiv, describing Ukraine as a contributor to transatlantic security. They announced a commitment to provide €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine in 2026, while affirming their intention to sustain at least equivalent levels of support in 2027.

The declaration welcomed the European Union's decision to establish multi-year financial assistance for Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Loan, stressing that future support should remain equitable, predictable and sustainable.

Addressing broader security challenges, NATO leaders said the Alliance would continue adapting to strategic competition, hybrid threats and regional instability. The declaration also reiterated the Alliance's longstanding position that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon and called on Tehran to fully respect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The summit concluded with NATO leaders expressing appreciation to Türkiye for hosting the gathering, thanking the Turkish government for its hospitality and reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation ahead of the Alliance's next summit. (ILKHA)