Will time and politics dilute NATO spending pledges? (Opinion)
Germany is sending Panzerfaust 3 antitank weapons to Ukraine. (Photo: Bundeswehr)
For all the assertive rhetoric by NATO member states about increasing defence spending in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine, it will not, in the short term at least, translate into a meaningful uplift in capability on the ground.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered a significant boost in European defence budgets. Across the continent, both NATO and non-NATO members have announced significant increases in military spending totalling some $133 billion as a response to Russian aggression.
However, it remains to be seen whether these announcements will quickly make a material difference.
Although the sums committed are significant, with Germany, for instance, deciding to spend about €100 billion ($111.69 billion) extra over the next few years, it is far from clear whether the capacity exists to spend this money in a meaningful way, or if it will be
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Eurosatory 2026: New public security needs drive personal protection equipment modernisation]()
Eurosatory 2026: New public security needs drive personal protection equipment modernisation
European law enforcement and public security agencies are entering a new cycle of investment in personal protection equipment (PPE), driven by evolving threat profiles, officer welfare requirements and advances in materials technology.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Milrem Robotics puts forward multi-layered defence concept for NATO’s eastern flank]()
Eurosatory 2026: Milrem Robotics puts forward multi-layered defence concept for NATO’s eastern flank
Autonomous systems developer Milrem has evolved a model for an interoperable robotised approach to the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI), showing how uncrewed systems could provide a multi-layered defence architecture in the air and on land along NATO’s eastern borders.
-
![Eurosatory 2026 to highlight changing defence and security priorities]()
Eurosatory 2026 to highlight changing defence and security priorities
Eurosatory 2026 will reflect a defence and security sector shaped by conflict, rising government spending, uncrewed systems, multidomain networks and growing demand for sovereign capabilities.
