NATO defence spending hits record $1.3 trillion amid Russian threat and Trump pressure

NATO members collectively spent $1.303 trillion on defence in 2024, significantly surpassing earlier forecasts, according to data released by the Western military alliance on April 24. 

The figures show that 22 out of the 32 allies met the long-standing benchmark of allocating at least 2% of GDP to defence, underscoring renewed urgency amid heightened geopolitical tensions, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The record level of spending marks a 19% increase from 2023, when the total stood at $200 billion (€176 billion) less. The United States remained the largest contributor, accounting for $818 billion (€720 billion), while European members and Canada spent a combined $468 billion (€412 billion), 38% of which was directed towards acquiring major equipment.

Despite initial projections that 23 allies would meet the 2% GDP threshold, Montenegro failed to hit the target. The reported figures are based on 2021 prices.

European governments have markedly stepped up defence budgets since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, spurred in part by pressure from US President Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly warned that allies failing to boost military spending could not count on American support.

Washington’s increasingly restrained security posture in Europe has added momentum to efforts by lagging nations to close the gap. Belgium (1.29%), Italy (1.5%), Spain (1.24%) and Canada (1.45%) have all pledged substantial increases to reach the 2% benchmark in the coming years.

Even among major military players, meeting commitments has proved challenging. The United Kingdom reached 2.33%, Germany 2.1% and France 2.03%.

Much of the recent defence investment has been channelled towards NATO’s eastern flank—encompassing the Baltic states, Poland and other nations bordering Russia. Greece continues to rank among the alliance’s top spenders.

The spending surge sets the stage for difficult discussions with the United States, which is pushing to raise the alliance’s defence spending target significantly. Washington has floated increasing the benchmark to 5% of GDP, although NATO diplomats suggest a possible compromise could be reached between 3% and 3.5%.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed last week that the regular target could be “set at 3.5% with an addition of 1.5%” for non-military areas. “There is an ongoing discussion” at NATO, he said, “about setting a target for civil defence, preparedness and support to Ukraine.”

Final decisions are expected at the NATO leaders’ summit, set to take place in The Hague at the end of June.

By Aghakazim Guliyev