Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) reaffirmed their commitment to increasing defense spending on July 8 (local time) in response to threats from Russia to Euro-Atlantic security.

In the Ankara Summit Declaration adopted during the NATO summit held in Ankara, Turkey, the leaders stated, "We announce plans for over 50 billion dollars (approximately 75.4 trillion won) in new procurement, and we commit to accelerating innovation through the expansion of joint production capacity and industrial cooperation."

They noted, "To address the long-term threat that Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, as well as persistent terrorist threats, Allies are implementing the Hague Defense Pledge."

During last year's summit, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, NATO officially agreed to increase defense spending to a total of 5 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035.

The declaration released today includes the statement, "NATO leaders have gathered in Ankara to reaffirm our ironclad commitment to collective defense and the transatlantic alliance," adding, "European Allies and Canada are assuming greater responsibility for the defense of the Alliance in cooperation with the United States."

The document also stated, "NATO’s deterrence and defense are underpinned by an appropriate mix of nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities, complemented by space and cyber assets," and added, "We are also developing interoperable transatlantic combat clouds and introducing powerful artificial intelligence (AI) models."

Regarding the conflict between the United States and Iran, the NATO leaders emphasized, "We reiterate that Iran must never develop nuclear weapons, and we call for full respect for the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

On the war in Ukraine, they stated, "Ukraine is contributing to transatlantic security," and specified, "We have committed to providing 70 billion euros (approximately 120.4 trillion won) in military equipment, support, and training this year, and we reaffirm our sovereign commitment to maintain at least this level in 2027."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)