AI, cybersecurity to dominate NATO Summit agenda in Ankara

NATO's digital transformation, the integration of artificial intelligence into defence, and strengthening the alliance's resilience against cyber threats will be among the key topics at the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7–8, Turkish newspaper Türkiye said.

The report said particular attention will be paid to China's technological development, with NATO continuing to view Beijing as a technological and strategic competitor, though not a direct military adversary.

According to Türkiye, China's rapid technological advances remain under close scrutiny by most NATO member states. In response, the alliance is developing joint initiatives aimed at protecting critical communications infrastructure, strengthening data security, and reducing dependence on imported strategic technologies.

The newspaper said the Ankara summit is expected to become one of NATO's most significant meetings in shaping the alliance's digital transformation strategy. Leaders are expected to discuss the development of AI-powered defence systems, cybersecurity, and expanding technological cooperation within NATO's defence industry.

The agenda will also include efforts to enhance the resilience of NATO's digital infrastructure and improve the alliance's collective ability to respond to next-generation security threats.

These discussions will take place alongside NATO's commitment to increasing overall defence spending, an agreement reached at the alliance's previous summit in The Hague.

According to the report, other major strategic issues expected to dominate the agenda include the conflict in Ukraine, the situation surrounding Iran, strengthening Europe's defence capabilities, and expanding cooperation in the defence sector.

Türkiye is expected to play a prominent role during the summit, with the newspaper highlighting the country's strategic importance to the security of NATO's eastern and southern flanks. It noted that Türkiye's defence industry is well positioned to contribute to the alliance's technology-driven transformation.

In addition to the leaders' meeting, Ankara will host a Defence Industry Forum aimed at deepening cooperation among NATO member states in the production, integration, and supply of defence equipment.

By Vafa Guliyeva