Nato Allies Pledge £37 Billion for Massive New Missile Project
Nato allies have pledged £37 billion to develop a new generation of missiles, in a major push to strengthen European defence capabilities. [192243]
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet around a dozen leaders in Ankara to discuss the programme, which aims to produce advanced long-range missiles for the alliance. [192243] The pledge comes as Nato members also committed $50.66 billion over the next decade to develop long-range missiles, a capability the US is reducing for Europe. [191901]
The summit in Ankara was marked by tensions, with US President Donald Trump complaining about the alliance before later striking a cooperative tone. [191868] Despite the rocky start, Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte declared the summit a “great success,” and Trump said he had “never seen anything like it” in terms of unity. [191901] European leaders publicly backed the unity narrative, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling the possibility of conflict among allies “political fiction.” [191901]
Behind the scenes, the 32 Nato members agreed on a joint declaration reaffirming the alliance’s collective defence commitment under Article 5, stating “an attack against one is an attack against all.” [191901] The declaration noted that European allies and Canada increased defence investments by more than $139 billion. [191901]
Separately, Nato members pledged to provide $70 billion in military equipment, assistance, and training to Ukraine this year, and maintain at least that level in 2027. [191901] At the Defence Industry Forum, investments worth over $50 billion were announced. [191901]