NATO releases report on defence spending 2012-2019
NATO has released its defence spending figures for the period between 2012 and 2019 and it will make unhappy reading for some, including the Trump Administration.
In 2019 only seven members of the alliance are estimated to have met the NATO objective of spending two percent of GDP on defence. These include the US, Greece, Estonia, the UK, Romania, Poland and Latvia.
Although there has been an effort by other major nations to increase their defence spending, the likes of France, Germany, Italy and Spain all continue to fall below the threshold.
The organisation routinely collects information pertaining to defence expenses from its members and allies. Each Ministry of Defence reports current and estimated defence spending, with amounts representing payments actually made, or to be made, by a national government during the fiscal year to meet the needs of the Allies or Alliance armed forces.
In addition, economic and demographic information from the Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission (DG-ECFIN) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is used.
The report goes on to advise that due to the difference between the sources and national GDP forecasts, as well as the definition of NATO defence expenditure as opposed to national definitions, the figures shown in the report have the potential to vary considerably from figures quoted by the media, national authorities, or national budgets.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Rheinmetall vehicle sales almost double as European companies see continued growth]()
Rheinmetall vehicle sales almost double as European companies see continued growth
Results for Q1 2025 have been strong across the board for many defence companies in Europe with forward-looking statements and predictions for the full year also looking good.
-
![Why is the defence market “exploding exponentially” for autonomous targeting capabilities?]()
Why is the defence market “exploding exponentially” for autonomous targeting capabilities?
Solutions that identify, engage and destroy targets with minimal or no human intervention are becoming critical on tomorrow’s battlefield.
-
![Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds]()
Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds
First quarter 2025 results have been dropping for companies in the past week but many of the US results come with a health warning in their forward-looking aspects about the potential impact of actions by the Trump administration.
-
![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.
