NATO defence spending to surpass $1.5 trillion in 2025

NATO member states are set to spend over $1.5 trillion on defence in 2025, as the alliance continues to strengthen its armed forces in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine and ongoing US pressure.

According to a NATO report cited by Caliber.Az, the United States accounts for more than half of the alliance’s total spending. Measured in 2021 prices, NATO’s defence expenditures will reach $1.4 trillion, with the US alone contributing $845 billion.

The alliance’s data also shows progress in meeting agreed defense spending targets. In 2024, more than 10 of the 32 NATO members failed to meet the 2% of GDP benchmark established in 2014.

In 2025, however, all allies have achieved this target, with seven countries hitting the 2% minimum and several others slightly surpassing it.

In terms of defense spending relative to their economies, Poland leads NATO at 4.48% of GDP, followed by Lithuania at 4% and Latvia at 3.73%.

These three nations are the only members currently exceeding the new 3.5% GDP defense spending goal agreed upon by NATO leaders at the Hague summit in June.

By Tamilla Hasanova