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
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