Copenhagen: NATO’s senior military leadership has concluded a two-day Military Committee Conference in Copenhagen, where the alliance’s 32 Chiefs of Defence discussed the implementation of recent summit decisions, military readiness, technological innovation and continued support for Ukraine. The conference was held on September 18–19, 2026.

The meeting focused on translating political commitments into practical military capabilities. Discussions covered air and missile defence, drones, cyber capabilities, space, multi-domain operations and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Focus on Stronger Military Readiness

A central theme of the conference was improving the ability of NATO forces to respond rapidly across different operational environments. Military leaders reviewed capability targets agreed at the NATO Summit in Ankara and examined ways to accelerate their implementation.

The alliance also discussed the need for forces to operate effectively across land, air, maritime, cyber and space domains. Greater readiness and faster deployment were identified as important elements of the ongoing defence effort.

Defence Industry Faces Growing Demand

NATO leadership also sent a clear message to defence manufacturers that member countries are prepared to increase procurement. The discussions emphasised the need for the defence industry to deliver equipment with greater speed, scale and predictability.

The emphasis on industrial capacity comes as NATO countries work to expand military capabilities and modernise existing systems.

Technology Becomes Central to Future Defence

Innovation was another major area discussed during the Copenhagen conference. NATO is increasingly focusing on technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, cyber systems and space-based capabilities.

The alliance is seeking faster adoption of new technologies while ensuring that emerging capabilities can be integrated into military operations.

Critical Infrastructure Protection

The conference also examined the protection of infrastructure considered essential to national and allied security. Undersea cables, energy networks and digital systems were among the areas highlighted during discussions.

The issue has gained importance as modern economies and defence systems increasingly depend on interconnected digital and physical infrastructure.

Germany’s General Breuer Elected as Next Military Committee Chair

During the conference, Allied Chiefs of Defence elected General Carsten Breuer of Germany as the next Chair of NATO’s Military Committee. He is scheduled to take over the position in summer 2027 for a three-year term.

The appointment provides a planned transition in the leadership of NATO’s highest military authority.

Looking Ahead

The Copenhagen conference reflects NATO’s ongoing effort to turn strategic decisions into practical military capabilities. Future work will focus on improving readiness, strengthening defence technologies, expanding industrial capacity and protecting critical infrastructure.

The next plenary meeting of the Military Committee is scheduled for January 2027 at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.