Key Developments
On 17 September 2026, NATO published resilience baseline requirements for civil-military preparedness, while Australia’s Minister for Defence announced a long-term Wagga Wagga Airport lease. The Bundeswehr also detailed NATO maritime technology exercises off Portugal.
Key Statistics
- 1.5% of GDP for defence and security-related spending was the 2025 NATO Summit allocation referenced by NATO
- 50-year lease for Wagga Wagga Airport was secured by Australia, according to the Minister for Defence
- 2,500 participants were involved in REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger, according to the Bundeswehr
- 250 drone prototypes were tested in the maritime exercises, according to the Bundeswehr
- €90 million was Norway’s additional contribution to the Ukraine Facility, according to the European Commission
- €172 million was Norway’s total commitment to the Ukraine Facility, according to the European Commission
- Historical: More than $10 billion in new Ukraine support pledges was cited by NATO on 8 September 2026
Main Body
On 17 September 2026, NATO published Baseline Requirements for Resilience to strengthen civil-military cooperation and preparedness against hybrid attacks on societies and infrastructure. On the same date, Australia’s Minister for Defence announced a new 50-year lease for Wagga Wagga Airport, and the Bundeswehr described NATO exercises focused on unmanned maritime systems off Portugal.
NATO said the resilience requirements were intended to keep critical civilian services operating during disruptions. The Minister for Defence said the Wagga Wagga agreement supported the Department of Defence, Wagga Wagga City Council, regional connectivity and civilian and military aviation. The Bundeswehr said REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger brought military, industry and academic partners together to test unmanned systems and interoperability.
The announcements followed recent readiness and Ukraine support measures. On 8 September 2026, NATO said allies and partners had made more than $10 billion in new pledges for Ukraine. On 16 September 2026, the European Parliament said it had backed measures to accelerate defence investment and simplify procurement.
The developments mattered because they addressed practical readiness gaps identified by governments: NATO focused on continuity of civilian services, the Minister for Defence focused on long-term airfield access, and the Bundeswehr focused on integrating unmanned maritime capabilities. Separately, the European Commission said Norway’s Ukraine Facility contribution supported financial stability and reforms during Russia’s war.
