Majority of NATO countries will reach the 2% of the GDP mark this year
A Dutch Marine watches over the beach in Norway during Nordic Response 24. (Photo: NATO)
The result, however, displeased US leadership as eight countries will miss the target in 2024.
Open data released by NATO this week shows that 24 of its 32 member states will invest 2% or more of their GDP in defence this year. This is the largest number of countries reaching the mark since it was established in 2014.
The overall NATO countries’ expenditure in 2024, US$1.5 trillion, is 12% higher than the 2023 figures ($1.3 trillion). It represents a nearly $200 billion growth in military spending.
Despite the progress made, the fact that eight states (Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Italy, Luxemburg, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain) earmarked less than 2% of the GDP has disappointed US
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
