07.07.2026 21:52
At the defense industry forum held before NATO's summit in Ankara, new procurement agreements worth a total of $50 billion were signed in areas ranging from air defense to unmanned systems. Additionally, a $40 billion anti-drone investment and a next-generation AWACS program were launched.
The NATO Defense Industry Forum (NSDIF 2026) held in Ankara witnessed significant decisions aimed at increasing joint production, technology development, and procurement capacity among allied countries in the defense industry. The forum, which aims to strengthen the alliance's deterrence, announced new projects and investment plans in areas ranging from air defense to unmanned systems, strategic transportation to space technologies.
$50 BILLION IN DEFENSE AGREEMENTS SIGNED
The most notable development at the forum was the announcement of a package of agreements and investments totaling $50 billion between NATO allies and defense industry companies. Within the scope of the package, numerous contracts were signed for air defense systems, solutions to be developed against unmanned aerial vehicles, joint production projects, strategic transportation capabilities, and advanced technology investments.
$40 BILLION ANTI-DRONE INVESTMENT MADE
NATO announced that it will implement a $40 billion investment program to strengthen common defense capabilities against threats arising from unmanned aerial vehicles. The program aims to develop allied countries' anti-drone systems, training infrastructure, and joint operational capabilities.
At the forum, the program for new generation platforms to replace NATO's current Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) fleet was also officially launched. The new systems are intended to strengthen the alliance's air surveillance, command-control, and early warning capabilities in the long term.
NATO also announced that it will incorporate Triton unmanned aerial vehicles into its inventory to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Additionally, the forum announced new initiatives to develop space capabilities, increase strategic airlift capacity, and expand joint production and R&D collaborations in defense technologies among allied countries.