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?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
