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
-
![Taiwan approved for purchase of $11 billion in weapons from US]()
Taiwan approved for purchase of $11 billion in weapons from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry]()
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
-
![NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems]()
NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems
During the latest edition of the NATO DiBaX, the alliance tested multiple capabilities to inform requirements for future efforts.
