NATO Defence Industry Forum highlights stronger role for European defence industry

The Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) welcomed the decisions announced at the 2026 NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in Ankara, highlighting a stronger role for industry in reinforcing NATO’s defence capabilities and supporting Ukraine.

Key announcements include the launch of multinational defence initiatives, such as the future replacement of NATO’s AWACS surveillance fleet and expanded cooperation programmes for strategic airlift and tanker capabilities. ASD said these initiatives represent progress towards a more resilient, interoperable and balanced Alliance, with the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) playing a growing role.

ASD stressed that the defence industry should be viewed as a strategic partner rather than only an equipment supplier, arguing that industrial capacity, innovation and production capabilities are essential elements of military strength. The organisation also highlighted lessons from the war in Ukraine, particularly the need for closer cooperation between governments, armed forces and industry.

The association called for:

• more coordinated procurement and pooled demand among NATO allies;
• long-term contracts and regulatory stability;
• stronger supply chains and reduced duplication of efforts;
• faster expansion of industrial production capacity.

ASD also welcomed NATO’s new Strategy for Industry-NATO Cooperation (SYNC), including initiatives such as the NATO Front Door for Industry and NATO Engine, designed to improve cooperation with industry and accelerate capability delivery.

The organisation concluded that European allies must continue increasing their defence contributions and strengthen the European pillar of NATO. ASD reaffirmed that Europe’s defence industry is prepared to expand production and deliver advanced capabilities to meet both European and transatlantic security requirements.