Ankara, Turkey – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that European member states of the alliance, along with Canada, have already increased their total defense spending to approximately 4% of their GDP.
This announcement came on the eve of the NATO leaders’ summit in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Significant increase in defense spending
Rutte explained during a press conference that European allies and Canada spent approximately 20%
more on basic defense last year compared to the previous year.
This comes as part of efforts to strengthen military capabilities and enhance readiness to address growing security challenges.
He noted that the increase reflects member states’ commitment to implementing collective defense development plans.
It also reflects the strengthening of deterrence capabilities within the alliance.
Additional investments in the billions of dollars
The NATO Secretary General added that combined defense spending for 2025
and 2026 shows additional investments of approximately $258 billion.
This represents one of the largest increases in the Alliance’s military spending in recent years.
He emphasized that these investments are aimed at modernizing military capabilities,
strengthening defense industries, and enhancing the operational readiness of member states’ armed forces.
Ankara summit to discuss security priorities
Rutte’s statements come on the eve of the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara.
The leaders are expected to discuss ways to enhance defense capabilities and increase military spending.
The leaders also discuss support for defense industries, along with security developments in Europe and the Middle East.
This comes in light of the continuing regional and international challenges facing NATO countries.
