NATO countries on Wednesday (July 8) reiterated that "Iran must never have a nuclear weapon" and called on Tehran to "fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," hours after the United States and Iran traded strikes, including a massive US strike on more than 80 targets in Iran, and Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is "over." That ceasefire had been based on the 14-point memorandum of understanding (the Islamabad Memorandum) signed on June 17. These statements are part of the Ankara Summit Declaration, adopted by the 32-nation military bloc following the 2026 NATO summit held on July 7 to 8. The summit saw participation from all member nations, including host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Several key non-member leaders also participated, most notably Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and European Council President António Costa. NATO allies reaffirmed collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and the transatlantic bond, describing it as "an attack on one is an attack on all," the Ankara Summit Declaration reads.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/school-shooting-in-bavaria-germany-injures-four-1783513206253">Attack on school in Bavaria, Germany, leaves several injured; police flag possible shooting spree</a>&nbsp;The countries announced more than $50 billion in new defence procurements and vowed to expand collective manufacturing capacity, working in tandem with industry to accelerate innovation. This is in addition to the $139 billion increase in defence investment recorded in 2025, in response to what it described as the "long-term threat Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, and the persistent threat of terrorism." The declaration also announced "unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," while crediting Kyiv with contributing to transatlantic security. They further pledged massive funding for Ukraine's war effort against Russia, affirming sovereign commitments to sustain at least the same €70 billion level of assistance in 2027 as in 2026. "For 2026, Allies pledge €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine and affirm their sovereign commitments to sustaining at least equivalent levels in 2027. To this end, we welcome the European Union's decision to provide multi-year funding to Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Loan."

NATO's Ankara Declaration reaffirmed "unwavering support" for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging €70 billion in military assistance for 2026 and committing to sustain at least the same level in 2027.


NATO countries on Wednesday (July 8) reiterated that "Iran must never have a nuclear weapon" and called on Tehran to "fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," hours after the United States and Iran traded strikes, including a massive US strike on more than 80 targets in Iran, and Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is "over." That ceasefire had been based on the 14-point memorandum of understanding (the Islamabad Memorandum) signed on June 17. These statements are part of the Ankara Summit Declaration, adopted by the 32-nation military bloc following the 2026 NATO summit held on July 7 to 8. The summit saw participation from all member nations, including host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Several key non-member leaders also participated, most notably Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and European Council President António Costa. NATO allies reaffirmed collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and the transatlantic bond, describing it as "an attack on one is an attack on all," the Ankara Summit Declaration reads. Also Read: Attack on school in Bavaria, Germany, leaves several injured; police flag possible shooting spree The countries announced more than $50 billion in new defence procurements and vowed to expand collective manufacturing capacity, working in tandem with industry to accelerate innovation. This is in addition to the $139 billion increase in defence investment recorded in 2025, in response to what it described as the "long-term threat Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, and the persistent threat of terrorism." The declaration also announced "unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," while crediting Kyiv with contributing to transatlantic security. They further pledged massive funding for Ukraine's war effort against Russia, affirming sovereign commitments to sustain at least the same €70 billion level of assistance in 2027 as in 2026. "For 2026, Allies pledge €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine and affirm their sovereign commitments to sustaining at least equivalent levels in 2027. To this end, we welcome the European Union's decision to provide multi-year funding to Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Loan."

NATO's Ankara Declaration reaffirmed "unwavering support" for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging €70 billion in military assistance for 2026 and committing to sustain at least the same level in 2027. &nbsp;

Hormuz navigation, collective defence, support for Ukraine: Key takeaways from NATO's Ankara declaration

NATO nations unveiled arms deals worth tens of billions of dollars in Turkey on Tuesday, as Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance needs a “transatlantic defence industrial revolution” to meet the challenge from its adversaries. He added that the defence industry must be ready to turn money into contracts and to take more risks.&nbsp;“So now let’s deliver even more, even faster, and together,” he added.&nbsp;Rutte added that member states spent $37 billion in one year, and by next year, the alliance will have the capacity to produce four million artillery shells.&nbsp;Speaking at the defence industry forum in the capital, Ankara, Rutte announced a series of initiatives while inviting representatives from NATO members to join the stage. “We can do more when we do it together. And we must do more of it,” he said, adding, “NATO allies are joining new multinational procurement coalitions. This really helps us get more of what you need across a range of capabilities.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-a-staunch-supporter-of-free-open-and-inclusive-indo-pacific-says-pm-modi-in-address-to-indonesian-parliament-1783421165120">‘India a staunch supporter of free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific,’ says PM Modi in address to Indonesian parliament</a><h2>Investment of over $40 billion in next 5 years on anti-drone capabilities</h2>&nbsp;Rutte also said that NATO allies will invest more than $40 billion in the next five years in their anti-drone capabilities.&nbsp;The deals were mostly kept under wraps to make a splash at the summit and included European ⁠countries buying surveillance drones from US company Northrop Grumman and NATO buying planes from Sweden’s Saab.&nbsp;Swedish manufacturer Saab will be supplying up to 10 new GlobalEye surveillance aircraft for a 10-nation consortium, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced.“It’s a moment of great pride,” he said, noting that the twin-engine aircraft would be “made within the alliance for all the alliance.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fugitive-diamantaire-nirav-modi-loses-final-appeal-extradition-becomes-imminent-1783333083018">Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi loses final appeal before ECHR, extradition becomes immine</a>nt<h2>US in talks about joint production of missiles in Europe&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The United States is also in talks with Germany and other nations about joint production in Europe of missiles that are in high demand for the defence of Ukraine amid concern about the capacity of US weapons manufacturers to meet demand, as the Iran and Ukraine wars have depleted US arms stocks.&nbsp;The NATO announcements come following President Donald Trump’s frequent criticism of Europe for insufficient defence contributions and over-relying on the US to defend them through NATO.&nbsp;Rutte said on Monday that Europeans had made “staggering” increases in defence spending ⁠in part due to fears of Russia, which have surged since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and also after Trump's “extremely forceful” nagging.&nbsp;Last month, Rutte said NATO's European members and Canada had spent $90 billion more on defence in real terms in 2025 than in 2024, to reach a total of more than $570 billion — an increase of around 20%.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/auto-experts-reject-concerns-over-e20-say-even-f1-cars-run-on-it-back-govt-1783190120319">Auto experts reject concerns over E20, say even F1 cars run on it; back govt</a><h2>Trump criticised NATO members for insufficient support in Iran conflict</h2>&nbsp;Tensions within NATO deepened when the US attacked Iran and Trump repeatedly criticised the alliance members for insufficient support in the conflict. Trump threatened to quit the alliance or disregard its collective defence pact.&nbsp;European officials insist they largely honoured commitments to let the US use their airspace and bases in their countries, despite not ⁠having been consulted about a war that roiled their economies and was deeply unpopular in Europe.&nbsp;The US has also announced troop withdrawals from Europe, cut the forces it assigns to NATO’s defence plans and launched a six-month review of its military presence on the continent.&nbsp;Trump branded NATO a “paper tiger” that would cease to function without American arms and leadership.

The defence deals were mostly kept under wraps to make a splash at the NATO Summit in Ankara and included European ⁠countries buying surveillance drones from US company Northrop Grumman and NATO buying planes from Sweden’s Saab.

NATO nations unveiled arms deals worth tens of billions of dollars in Turkey on Tuesday, as Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance needs a “transatlantic defence industrial revolution” to meet the challenge from its adversaries. He added that the defence industry must be ready to turn money into contracts and to take more risks. “So now let’s deliver even more, even faster, and together,” he added. Rutte added that member states spent $37 billion in one year, and by next year, the alliance will have the capacity to produce four million artillery shells. Speaking at the defence industry forum in the capital, Ankara, Rutte announced a series of initiatives while inviting representatives from NATO members to join the stage. “We can do more when we do it together. And we must do more of it,” he said, adding, “NATO allies are joining new multinational procurement coalitions. This really helps us get more of what you need across a range of capabilities.” Also Read: ‘India a staunch supporter of free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific,’ says PM Modi in address to Indonesian parliament Investment of over $40 billion in next 5 years on anti-drone capabilities Rutte also said that NATO allies will invest more than $40 billion in the next five years in their anti-drone capabilities. The deals were mostly kept under wraps to make a splash at the summit and included European ⁠countries buying surveillance drones from US company Northrop Grumman and NATO buying planes from Sweden’s Saab. Swedish manufacturer Saab will be supplying up to 10 new GlobalEye surveillance aircraft for a 10-nation consortium, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced. “It’s a moment of great pride,” he said, noting that the twin-engine aircraft would be “made within the alliance for all the alliance.” Also Read: Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi loses final appeal before ECHR, extradition becomes imminent US in talks about joint production of missiles in Europe The United States is also in talks with Germany and other nations about joint production in Europe of missiles that are in high demand for the defence of Ukraine amid concern about the capacity of US weapons manufacturers to meet demand, as the Iran and Ukraine wars have depleted US arms stocks. The NATO announcements come following President Donald Trump’s frequent criticism of Europe for insufficient defence contributions and over-relying on the US to defend them through NATO. Rutte said on Monday that Europeans had made “staggering” increases in defence spending ⁠in part due to fears of Russia, which have surged since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and also after Trump's “extremely forceful” nagging. Last month, Rutte said NATO's European members and Canada had spent $90 billion more on defence in real terms in 2025 than in 2024, to reach a total of more than $570 billion — an increase of around 20%. Also Read: Auto experts reject concerns over E20, say even F1 cars run on it; back govt Trump criticised NATO members for insufficient support in Iran conflict Tensions within NATO deepened when the US attacked Iran and Trump repeatedly criticised the alliance members for insufficient support in the conflict. Trump threatened to quit the alliance or disregard its collective defence pact. European officials insist they largely honoured commitments to let the US use their airspace and bases in their countries, despite not ⁠having been consulted about a war that roiled their economies and was deeply unpopular in Europe. The US has also announced troop withdrawals from Europe, cut the forces it assigns to NATO’s defence plans and launched a six-month review of its military presence on the continent. Trump branded NATO a “paper tiger” that would cease to function without American arms and leadership.

The defence deals were mostly kept under wraps to make a splash at the NATO Summit in Ankara and included European ⁠countries buying surveillance drones from US company Northrop Grumman and NATO buying planes from Sweden’s Saab.

NATO unveils billions in arms deals after Trump’s pressure for higher defence spending

When people talk about the largest militaries in NATO, it is often understood in terms of active-duty personnel but that is not the full reality. More than the number of personnel a country deploys is the power of defense spending, technology, logistics, intelligence, training, air and naval power, nuclear deterrence, and readiness that it is capable of.<h2>NATO nations that deploy highest number of military personnel&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;United States with about 1.3 million troops is NATO's dominant force. Turkey is second in the list with close to 355,000 troops strategically located between Europe and Asia. Poland is third with roughly 200,000 troops followed by France ( 2,00000), United Kingdom (1,85000), Germany (1,80000), Italy (1,6500), Greece (1,43000), Spain (1,15000) and Romania with about 65,000 troops.&nbsp;<h2>Military strength vs troop numbers</h2>&nbsp;Some NATO member countries despite having larger number of troop are not ranked very high as they lack behind in defense spending, technology, logistics and various other military capabilities.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-attending-the-nato-summit-2026-check-complete-list-of-leaders-and-invited-countries-1783357913464">Who is attending the NATO Summit 2026? Check complete list of leaders and invited countries</a>&nbsp;Some NATO members that rank exceptionally high in overall military capabilities are United States for its mammoth defence spending (highest in the world) aircraft carriers and advanced intelligence capabilities, followed by France (independent nuclear deterrent, aircraft carrier, and experienced expeditionary forces), United Kingdom, Germany and Turkey.&nbsp;If ranked by troop size, the top NATO militaries are:&nbsp;United States followed by Turkey, Poland, France, United Kingdom and Germany (similar in size).&nbsp;<h2>NATO's combined military power</h2>&nbsp;Across its 32 member states, NATO collectively fields around 3.3–3.6 million active military personnel. It has the world's largest combined defense spending, thousands of combat aircraft and naval vessels, three nuclear powers: United States, United Kingdom, and France.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some NATO members despite having larger number of troop are not ranked very high as they lack behind in defense spending, technology, logistics and various other military capabilities.

When people talk about the largest militaries in NATO, it is often understood in terms of active-duty personnel but that is not the full reality. More than the number of personnel a country deploys is the power of defense spending, technology, logistics, intelligence, training, air and naval power, nuclear deterrence, and readiness that it is capable of. NATO nations that deploy highest number of military personnel United States with about 1.3 million troops is NATO's dominant force. Turkey is second in the list with close to 355,000 troops strategically located between Europe and Asia. Poland is third with roughly 200,000 troops followed by France ( 2,00000), United Kingdom (1,85000), Germany (1,80000), Italy (1,6500), Greece (1,43000), Spain (1,15000) and Romania with about 65,000 troops. Military strength vs troop numbers Some NATO member countries despite having larger number of troop are not ranked very high as they lack behind in defense spending, technology, logistics and various other military capabilities. ALSO READ: Who is attending the NATO Summit 2026? Check complete list of leaders and invited countries Some NATO members that rank exceptionally high in overall military capabilities are United States for its mammoth defence spending (highest in the world) aircraft carriers and advanced intelligence capabilities, followed by France (independent nuclear deterrent, aircraft carrier, and experienced expeditionary forces), United Kingdom, Germany and Turkey. If ranked by troop size, the top NATO militaries are: United States followed by Turkey, Poland, France, United Kingdom and Germany (similar in size). NATO's combined military power Across its 32 member states, NATO collectively fields around 3.3–3.6 million active military personnel. It has the world's largest combined defense spending, thousands of combat aircraft and naval vessels, three nuclear powers: United States, United Kingdom, and France.

Some NATO members despite having larger number of troop are not ranked very high as they lack behind in defense spending, technology, logistics and various other military capabilities.

NATO member nations ranked by troop size and defence strength

NATO countries on the Baltic Sea as well as other nations from the United States-led military alliance will participate in a major naval drill involving some 30 ships and over 3,000 service members for the first time to practise how to respond to a Russian attack in the region, said the German navy chief on Friday (September 1).&nbsp;

<h2>About the upcoming navy drills</h2>

The upcoming drills will begin on September 9 and involve troops from all NATO countries on the Baltic Sea, plus soon-to-be member Sweden and non-Baltic allies which include the US, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium and France.&nbsp;

During the two-week Northern Coasts exercise, the countries will practise amphibious operations and strikes from sea to land, reported Reuters. “We are sending a clear message of vigilance to Russia: Not on our watch,” Vice-Admiral Jan Christian Kaack told reporters in Berlin.&nbsp;

He added, “Credible deterrence must include the ability to attack.” The exercise will also focus on securing the sea routes through the Baltic Sea and will take place off the coasts of Latvia and Estonia.&nbsp;

“Finland and the Baltic states depend to almost 100% on the maritime supply routes through the Baltic Sea,” Kaack noted. He added, “Should the Suwalki Gap be blocked - and this can be done easily as there are only two roads and one railroad line - then we are left with the sea routes only, and that’s where we will then have to make our way through.”

The Suwalki Gap is a 65-kilometre narrow land corridor and the only connection between the Baltic states to Poland and NATO’s main territory in Europe.&nbsp;

Kaack also noted that the upcoming exercise will be the first exercise of this size that the German navy, which is also the biggest navy on the Baltic Sea, will command from its new maritime headquarters in Rostock.&nbsp;

The maritime base recently reached operational readiness and aims to act as a regional maritime headquarters for NATO capable of leading the alliance’s operations in the Baltic Sea in case of a conflict, said the German official.&nbsp;

<h2>Ships leave Ukrainian port Black Sea port under temporary corridor: Kyiv</h2>

Ukrainian deputy prime minister, on Friday (September 1) said that two cargo vessels have left a port near Odesa through the Black Sea temporary corridor for civilian vessels months after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-formally-backs-out-of-black-sea-grain-deal-what-happens-now-616637">Russia formally backed out</a> of the deal which allowed a safe-passage for ships carrying grain.&nbsp;

Oleksandr Kubrakov said Liberia-flagged Anna-Theresa and Marshall Islands-flagged Ocean Courtesy bulk carriers had left the port of Pivdennyi from the “humanitarian corridor” hugging the western Black Sea coast near Romania and Bulgaria.

The Anna-Theresa, according to the Ukrainian official, had been stuck in the Ukrainian port since February 22, 2022, and the Ocean Courtesy from February 16 of the same year.&nbsp;

The Anna-Theresa and Ocean Courtesy were carrying 56,000 metric tons of pig iron and 172,000 tons of iron ore concentrate, respectively, said Kubrakov, on social media.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

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NATO countries on the Baltic Sea as well as other nations from the United States-led military alliance will participate in a major naval drill involving some 30 ships and over 3,000 service members for the first time to practise how to respond to a Russian attack in the region, said the German navy chief on Friday (September 1).

NATO countries on the Baltic Sea as well as other nations from the United States-led military alliance will participate in a major naval drill involving some 30 ships and over 3,000 service members for the first time to practise how to respond to a Russian attack in the region, said the German navy chief on Friday (September 1). About the upcoming navy drills The upcoming drills will begin on September 9 and involve troops from all NATO countries on the Baltic Sea, plus soon-to-be member Sweden and non-Baltic allies which include the US, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. During the two-week Northern Coasts exercise, the countries will practise amphibious operations and strikes from sea to land, reported Reuters. “We are sending a clear message of vigilance to Russia: Not on our watch,” Vice-Admiral Jan Christian Kaack told reporters in Berlin. He added, “Credible deterrence must include the ability to attack.” The exercise will also focus on securing the sea routes through the Baltic Sea and will take place off the coasts of Latvia and Estonia. “Finland and the Baltic states depend to almost 100% on the maritime supply routes through the Baltic Sea,” Kaack noted. He added, “Should the Suwalki Gap be blocked - and this can be done easily as there are only two roads and one railroad line - then we are left with the sea routes only, and that’s where we will then have to make our way through.” The Suwalki Gap is a 65-kilometre narrow land corridor and the only connection between the Baltic states to Poland and NATO’s main territory in Europe. Kaack also noted that the upcoming exercise will be the first exercise of this size that the German navy, which is also the biggest navy on the Baltic Sea, will command from its new maritime headquarters in Rostock. The maritime base recently reached operational readiness and aims to act as a regional maritime headquarters for NATO capable of leading the alliance’s operations in the Baltic Sea in case of a conflict, said the German official. Ships leave Ukrainian port Black Sea port under temporary corridor: Kyiv Ukrainian deputy prime minister, on Friday (September 1) said that two cargo vessels have left a port near Odesa through the Black Sea temporary corridor for civilian vessels months after Russia formally backed out of the deal which allowed a safe-passage for ships carrying grain. Oleksandr Kubrakov said Liberia-flagged Anna-Theresa and Marshall Islands-flagged Ocean Courtesy bulk carriers had left the port of Pivdennyi from the “humanitarian corridor” hugging the western Black Sea coast near Romania and Bulgaria. The Anna-Theresa, according to the Ukrainian official, had been stuck in the Ukrainian port since February 22, 2022, and the Ocean Courtesy from February 16 of the same year. The Anna-Theresa and Ocean Courtesy were carrying 56,000 metric tons of pig iron and 172,000 tons of iron ore concentrate, respectively, said Kubrakov, on social media. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Baltic Sea drills involving NATO nations to focus on repelling Russian attack for the first time

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani spoke at the 2020 Afghanistan conference hosted by the United Nations. He thanked the NATO nations for support against terrorism.

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Hormuz navigation, collective defence, support for Ukraine: Key takeaways from NATO's Ankara declaration

NATO unveils billions in arms deals after US’ push for higher defence spending

NATO member nations ranked by troop size and defence strength

Baltic Sea drills involving NATO nations to focus on repelling Russian attack for the first time

Your Story: Afghan Prez thanks NATO nations for support against terrorism