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Defence spending

Nato Leaders Agree to 5% Defence Spending Increase, Praising Trump's Pressure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

European leaders in Nato have agreed to a historic 5% increase in defence spending, with US President Donald Trump being credited by Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte for driving the uplift. The alliance has also praised Trump's efforts to bring about a commitment from its members to boost defence spending. The new spending pledge includes 3.5% spending on core defence by 2035, and 1.5% on security and resilience measures. Trump hailed the agreement as a "monumental win" for the US, Europe, and "western civilisation".

Key Takeaways:

  • Nato leaders have agreed to a 5% increase in defence spending, with the goal of reaching 3.5% core defence spending by 2035 and 1.5% on security and resilience measures.
  • US President Donald Trump has been praised by Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte for driving the uplift in defence spending.
  • Trump described the agreement as a "monumental win" for the US, Europe, and "western civilisation".
  • The US president compared the fighting between Iran and Israel to children quarrelling, and praised Trump for intervening in the conflict using strong language.
  • Sir Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, said the Nato summit had sent a "decisive message to aggressors" and that the UK was on track to spend 4.1% of GDP on defence by 2027.
  • The UK has announced plans to provide 350 air defence missiles to Ukraine, funded by £70 million raised from the interest on seized Russian assets.
  • Britain will also purchase at least a dozen new F35A fighter jets, reintroducing a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the Cold War.

Statistics:

  • Nato leaders have agreed to spending 3.5% of GDP on core defence by 2035.
  • The UK is on track to spend 4.1% of GDP on defence by 2027.
  • The UK will purchase at least a dozen new F35A fighter jets, at a cost not specified.
  • The UK will provide 350 air defence missiles to Ukraine, funded by £70 million raised from the interest on seized Russian assets.
  • Trump compared the fighting between Iran and Israel to a children's quarrel, comparing their fighting to "two kids in a schoolyard".

Sources:

  • AP (Associated Press)
  • PA Wire
  • Nato Summit press conference
  • Sir Keir Starmer, UK prime minister, during a separate press conference in the Hague
  • Mark Rutte, Nato Secretary General, during a press conference
  • Donald Trump, US President, during a press conference
  • "Nato Summit" (press conference and statements)

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