LIVE BLOG: NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum kicks off in Ankara

On 7 July 2026, the NATO summit began in Ankara, Turkey, with a Defence Industry Forum. US President Trump arrived for his first visit, and Turkish President Erdogan welcomed him at the airport with a ceremony and later hosted NATO leaders at a reception and dinner. Zelensky arrived seeking air defenses and drone deals, and NATO allies unveiled a military pledge under which Ukraine is set to gain a new status.

At the Trump-Erdogan meeting, the US was to lift sanctions against Türkiye, with a decision on F-35 jets to come soon; Israel opposes the F-35 sale. South Korea's President Lee proposed a defense industry partnership with NATO, Croatia signed a strategic airlift agreement, and Merz backed a more European NATO. Meloni said relations with Trump are cordial.