Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures
Multiple countries have been deploying small arms as the last line of drone defence due to their multiple operational and tactical advantages.
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.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures]()
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family
The Singapore-based technology company unveiled its new rifle family at this week’s airshow. Chen Chuanren spoke with the ST Engineering’s head of small arms to find out more about how the weapons have been refined.
-
![High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?]()
High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues]()
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
