A periodic gathering of NATO heads of state and government to shape alliance policy
President Donald Trump has visited Ankara for a NATO summit and has pressed allies to raise defence spending, threatened trade measures and floated withdrawing US troops from Europe. He has said he will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering selling F‑35 jets and engines to Ankara, prompting warnings from Israel and unease among European partners.
NATO leaders have met in Ankara after months of U.S. threats to scale back forces in Europe and repeated U.S. demands that allies raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Tensions over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and U.S. troop reviews have strained transatlantic ties, while European governments are increasing procurement and planning to assume more conventional defence responsibilities.
Canada has selected ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to build up to 12 conventionally powered submarines, with the contract potentially worth tens of billions of dollars. Prime Minister Carney has pledged higher defence spending and NATO interoperability as Ottawa seeks greater strategic autonomy ahead of the Ankara summit.
The UK is coordinating with European allies at the Ankara NATO summit to push a deep precision strike programme and boost defence funding. Keir Starmer is leading discussions, while Trump presses allies on spending. Ukraine seeks air defences amid a shifting security landscape.
NATO and allied nations are accelerating development and deployment of cheaper, scalable defenses in response to drone threats and rapid battlefield innovation. Ukraine’s front-line feedback is driving faster iteration, with manufacturers delivering updates within days or weeks as the war reshapes planning for 2030-era air defense.
The New York Times, Bloomberg and the New York Post report on Dutch PM Mark Rutte briefing President Trump with charts titled “The Trump Trillion” and “The Trump 47 Effect,” highlighting increased NATO defense spending since 2017 and Trump’s Iran stance. Rutte’s attempt to align European allies with Trump’s Iran policy is met with resistance; Trump cites mixed European support and ongoing concerns.
Kurdish and Turkish authorities have expanded investigations and arrests tied to the opposition, as Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu faces a sprawling corruption case. The NATO summit in Ankara underscores the context of a tightening political climate in Turkey.
The Defence Investment Plan has been revised to prioritise frontline equipment, drones and rapid-reaction forces. Dan Jarvis has secured additional funding and the plan emphasizes high-speed boats, strike drones and uncrewed vessels, with a focus on the High North amid rising Russian activity. The plan aims to equip troops faster while addressing concerns about funding gaps and the pace of modern warfare.
The incoming UK prime minister is urged to boost defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 as experts warn current plans are too bare to deter threats from Moscow. A Defence Investment Plan is due to be published before the NATO summit, with ministers negotiating funding amid resignations in the MoD.
Labour figures push forward with Andy Burnham as the most likely next prime minister, urging a bold agenda after a period of government missteps; Morgan McSweeney has described Labour as underprepared for governing and the need for rapid, credible action.
The United States has granted Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air-defence interceptors, addressing critical shortages but production will take months to years. Ukraine is pressing allies at NATO for faster and larger support amid ongoing Russian ballistic missile strikes that have damaged Kyiv and other cities.
The Defence Investment Plan has raised questions about whether the UK will reach Nato’s 3.5% of GDP core defence target by 2035. Recent reporting shows critics arguing that the plan edges the target without fully funding it, while ministers insist the trajectory remains on track.
Leaders reaffirm the Article 5 pledge and European defense increases; Trump has attacked Spain over spending, pressed for Greenland’s future, and signaled the U.S. may reconsider alliance commitments. Ukraine gains fresh support as defense deals and aid are announced, while doubts linger about unity and strategy.
Israeli intelligence has told U.S. officials about a reportedly "specific" Iranian plan to assassinate President Donald Trump, U.S. outlets have reported. The Secret Service has urged a mid‑trip swap from the newly gifted Qatari 747 to an older Air Force One jet, and federal subpoenas have been served on New York Times reporters in a leak probe.
Leaders attending the Ankara NATO summit have received personalised Gumusay revolvers with live ammunition as gifts from Turkish President Erdogan. The gifts, engraved with each recipient’s name, highlight Turkey’s growing defence industry. Several leaders intend to decommission or locally store the weapons due to import/export rules.
U.S. forces have intensified strikes on Iran, with CENTCOM confirming new targets as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and a fragile ceasefire appear to fray. President Trump has framed the actions as retribution, while allies weigh potential escalation and responses from Israel.
The US and Iran remain in negotiations after a week of renewed strikes threatens to end a months-long ceasefire. Qatar’s mediation is active as both sides show willingness to return to the memorandum of understanding, while threats and rhetoric signal a high-risk path ahead for Gulf stability.