politics

NATO leaders set 5% GDP defense target as U.S. prepares for alliance summit

U.S. defense expenditure hit $999 billion while the United Kingdom spent $90.5 billion, France $66.5 billion, Italy $48.8 billion and Poland $44.3 billion. A NATO report placed 2025 U.S. outlays at $980 billion. Officials criticized alliance members for limited involvement during recent Middle East operations.

3 sources·Jul 3, 1:19 AM(15 hrs ago)·1m read

NATO leaders set 5% GDP defense target as U.S. prepares for alliance summit

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NATO members agreed last year to raise defense spending targets to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. A NATO report released earlier this month listed 2025 U.S. defense spending at $980 billion, the United Kingdom at $90.508 billion, France at $66.531 billion, Italy at $48.8 billion and Poland at $44.314 billion.

The U.S. is scheduled to attend the meeting of the 32-member alliance. The alliance was founded in 1949 and has coordinated collective defense among member states since then.

After the Hormuz Strait situation concluded, NATO contacted the United States to offer assistance. Officials stated that NATO members were not present during the recent conflict with Iran.

"The president's views – frankly, disappointment – at some of our Nato allies and their response to our operations in the Middle East, they are well documented. That will have to be addressed," U.S. Secretary of State said in May 2026.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany can defend its military spending push.

defense-spending nato international-relations state-department