NATO summit 2026: Capability initiatives announced at defence industry forum

During the forum, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall announced the signing of an MOU to establish a joint venture to create the first European centre of excellence for the production, integration, and distribution of ATACMS. (US DoD)

NATO and industry announced new capability initiatives at a summit defence industry forum in Ankara on 7 July 2026. The announcements covered areas including strike capabilities, integrated air and missile defence (IAMD), counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), and armoured personnel carriers (APCs), as well as space and surveillance.

Regarding strike capabilities, NATO allies announced new multinational projects and contracts, including the development of a generic NATO 155 mm munition, scaling up production of 155 mm and loitering munitions, and long-range strike capabilities. Türkiye committed to procuring Atmaca (Hawk) land-based long-range cruise missiles.

During the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a joint venture to create the first European centre of excellence for the production, integration, and distribution of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) across NATO and European allied forces.

IAMD initiatives

For IAMD, allies announced new cooperation initiatives to improve capabilities against low-level air threats, including UAVs and cruise missiles, as well as efforts to enhance passive air surveillance. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) will acquire 700 Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) and 200 PAC-3 missiles.