The 36th NATO Summit is getting underway in Ankara on Tuesday, bringing together leaders of the alliance's 32 member states at a time of mounting geopolitical tensions and rapidly evolving security challenges.

The two-day gathering is widely seen as one of the most consequential NATO meetings in recent years, with discussions expected to focus on collective defense, military modernization, defense industrial cooperation, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Türkiye, hosting the summit for the first time in more than two decades, has transformed its capital into a major diplomatic hub, welcoming not only NATO leaders but also senior officials from partner countries, the European Union, and Indo-Pacific allies.

Ahead of the summit's formal sessions, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The two leaders reviewed the summit agenda and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Erdoğan said Türkiye had completed all preparations for the summit and expressed confidence that the gathering would yield positive outcomes for the alliance. He emphasized the need for discussions extending beyond traditional defense matters to include strengthening defense industry cooperation among allies, describing industrial capacity as a critical pillar of NATO's future security architecture.

Defense spending and industrial cooperation dominate agenda

One of the central themes of this year's summit is the alliance's effort to strengthen defense production and military readiness amid growing security threats. NATO leaders are expected to endorse new targets aimed at increasing defense investment and expanding industrial capacity across member states.

The NATO Defence Industry Forum, held alongside the summit, has already produced several major announcements. Dutch officials unveiled plans for more than €3 billion in new defense projects, while several allies announced joint procurement initiatives involving air-defense systems, naval platforms, ammunition production, and emerging technologies.

According to NATO officials, leaders are also expected to approve measures designed to accelerate defense manufacturing and improve supply-chain resilience, reflecting lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and recent crises affecting global security.

Türkiye has sought to highlight its expanding defense sector during the summit. Turkish officials say Ankara's growing role in drone production, aerospace technologies, naval systems, and defense exports positions the country as a key contributor to NATO's industrial capabilities.

Ukraine remains at forefront of discussions

Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine remains one of the summit's most pressing topics. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is participating in meetings with allied leaders and is expected to hold separate talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and several European leaders.

NATO members are discussing continued military assistance to Kyiv, long-term security guarantees, and efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities while exploring potential diplomatic pathways to end the conflict.

Alliance officials have reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine, although differences remain among member states regarding future security arrangements and the pace of military assistance.

High-level diplomacy on summit sidelines

Beyond NATO's official agenda, Ankara has become the center of intensive diplomatic activity. President Erdoğan is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with allied leaders, including Trump, as both sides seek to advance cooperation on defense, trade, regional security, and defense procurement issues.

Diplomatic sources indicate that discussions will also address developments in Syria, the Eastern Mediterranean, and broader Middle East security concerns following months of regional instability.

The summit has attracted significant attention from Washington beyond the executive branch. A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen is participating in summit-related events and the Defense Industry Forum, underscoring continued congressional support for NATO and transatlantic cooperation.

Expanding NATO's global partnerships

The Ankara summit reflects NATO's growing emphasis on partnerships beyond the Euro-Atlantic region. Leaders and representatives from Indo-Pacific partner countries, the European Union, and members of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative are attending meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation on shared security challenges.

Officials say discussions are focusing on cybersecurity, emerging technologies, critical infrastructure protection, maritime security, and the growing intersection between European, Middle Eastern, and Indo-Pacific security dynamics.

Key decisions expected

The summit will culminate with the North Atlantic Council meeting on Wednesday, where leaders are expected to adopt a final declaration outlining NATO's priorities for the coming years.

Among the anticipated outcomes are commitments to higher defense spending, expanded industrial cooperation, enhanced deterrence measures, and stronger support mechanisms for partners facing security threats.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz described the gathering as a "historic" event taking place during a period of profound global transformation. He said allied leaders would evaluate security challenges from a "360-degree perspective" and seek common approaches to strengthening peace, stability, and deterrence.

As world leaders meet in Ankara, analysts say the summit is likely to demonstrate that NATO's future will be shaped not only by military capabilities and defense budgets, but also by diplomacy, industrial resilience, and the alliance's ability to respond to increasingly interconnected global challenges. (ILKHA)