NATO's Ankara summit marks a shift to a Europe-led Alliance under 'NATO 3.0'. Britain, with an underfunded Defence Investment Plan and a change of prime minister, risks being the weak link and could prompt further US withdrawal.
The G7 at Évian agreed to license Ukrainian firms to build long-range missiles and air defences, backing a fast-growing arms industry. Ukraine still needs layered air defence before winter; the G7 must now deliver on its promises.
Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned after the Treasury cut the Defence Investment Plan to £13.5bn, far short of a £28bn gap. The fallout threatens GCAP, Britain's alliances and its standing with Trump ahead of the NATO summit.
The UK must publish its long-delayed Defence Investment Plan before NATO's Brussels meeting, yet faces a £28bn funding gap. With US-Europe ties strained, a credible plan and a stronger European military are what will keep America engaged.
Canada's new Defence Industrial Strategy aims to steer 70% of defence purchases to Canadian firms and cut reliance on the US. It is welcome but hard to deliver: US-owned firms count as Canadian suppliers, and Carney must rebuild defences without rupturing ties with Washington.
