NATO leaders convene in Ankara facing critical challenges: maintaining US commitment amid Trump's skepticism, Europe increasing its security role, and boosting defense spending. The alliance grapples with ramping up production to meet demand, particularly for Ukraine, while Russia remains a persistent threat. Balancing these priorities and ensuring sustained support for Kyiv will be key.

As allies gather in Ankara for the 2026 NATO Summit, the seventh issue of the Defense Journal examines the issues at the forefront of the allied agenda.

As allies gather in Ankara, Turkey's rising influence, US retrenchment, and uneven burden sharing will test whether NATO can convert pledges into action.